This weekend marks the second annual Philadelphia Vendy Awards, the competition for title of best street chef in the city. Last year, the event—which started in New York and is based there—took a first-time Philly bow at the Piazza. This year, it'll be at the Lot, a space owned by the Philadelphia Science Center at 39th and Market. Naturally, our curiosity was aroused: Why the change? Had New York organizers heard of the Piazza's recent PR troubles? Did the local committee agitate for a location with easy access to hoards of people who enjoy stuffing their faces and drinking beer?
The Vendys' Managing Director Helena Tubis said, "We really love moving the location of the awards," explaining that changing the spot each year meshes well with the mobile culture of street vending. And when it came time to consider where to move the Philly awards event, 39th and Market seemed like a good fit. "University City is so rooted in street vending culture," Tubis said. "The Science Center has been an amazing partner. They wanted to have us, and we found so many other reasons to be in that neighborhood."
Tubis says the Vendy folks have enjoyed having the event here. "Philadelphia has such a vibrant open community around food. I think we came into the city at the right time. The energy is so amazing. It's palatable."
And so is the street food, whether in NoLibs or UCity.
· Vendy Awards - Philadelphia
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