Street vendors compete at today’s Vendy Awards in University City

Back in Philadelphia for it’s second time around, the Vendy Awards will roll in to The Lot at 39th and Market in University City this afternoon, offering guests a chance to taste and judge some of the city’s favorite food truck cuisine.

Participants in this “intense cook-off” will be competing in two heats: sweet and savory. Each of the vendors were chosen by ballot entry by both attendees at the Food Trust’s popular Night Market series and online.

Local foodies Collin Flatt, Tony Luke, Jr., Joy Manning, Lari Robling, and Marcie Turney will be judging today’s event. Philly-dater/blogger Shmitten Kitten, also known as Anna Goldfarb has been asked to emcee making her first strides into the city’s food scene.

Participating in today’s event will be Delicias, The Foo Truck, King of Falafel, Lil Dan’s Gourmet, Little baby’s ice cream, Lil Pop Shop, The Smoke Truck, Sugar Philly, Sweet Box, Tacos Don Memo, Vernalicious, and Yumtown. Each will serve its own specialties: everything from Middle Eastern cuisine and BBQ to small batch premium ice creams and cupcakes. Philly.com has explainers on each.

Though advanced ticket sales have already closed, tickets will be available on-site. Organizers do expect to sell out, so be sure and get there early.

While grabbing a snack at your favorite meals-on-wheels location is usually more economically sound than the $60 ticket price for today’s shindig, proceeds from the Vendys will benefit The Food Trust, ensuring that healthy foods are available to everyone.

The price of admission will allow guests entrance to the event, which runs from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., food from all of the vendors, and drinks including beer and wine.