Nashville Street Food Awards

You’d have to be living under a rock to not notice that food trucks have taken Nashville by storm over the last year or so. There are a few that I go back to time and time again, but there are still plenty out there that I haven’t yet had a chance to try. But next weekend it looks like I’ll definitely get that chance!

Featuring more than 20 of Nashville’s mobile vendors, the “Nashville Street Food Awards” will be taking place at Centennial Park on Saturday, September 1st (which also happens to be the season kickoff of Musicians Corner, 3-6pm). The contest will consist of several delicious categories:

Best Burger
Best BBQ
Best Dessert
Best Hot Nashville
Best Vegetarian
Best Taco
Best Deep Fried
Best Drink
Best Sandwich
Best of the Best (winner of most awards)
People’s Choice Awards

There will be several judges on hand throughout the day  sampling blind entries, then choosing winners for all the categories, while food truck patrons will have the opportunity to name the People’s Choice Award. All winners will be named at the conclusion of the event at 6 p.m.

In addition to their regular menus, all of the trucks will also be selling small ‘tastes,’ so patrons can sample food from multiple trucks. There will be buckets at the Second Harvest Food Bank tent where attendees can donate money* to vote for their favorite overall trucks.

Nashville Street Food Awards
September 1, 2012
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Centennial Park
FREE. public, all-ages event

*A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Inquiring minds want to know: what trucks will be there?

Here’s the list:

Beach Bums Juice Bar
Biscuit Love
Bistro Truck
Blue Monkey Shaved Ice
The Coffee Truck
Deg Thai
Delta Bound
Dixie Belles Cupcakes
Grilled Cheeserie
Hit Or Miss Ice Cream
Hoss’ Loaded Burgers
Just Like Nannie Fixed It
Jonbalaya Catering
Ken’s Hot Spot
The Latin Wagon
The Love Shack
Mere Bulles
Moovers & Shakers
Peanut Butter Paradise
Retro Sno
Riffs Fine Street Food
Smoke Et Al
Sum Yum Yum
Terra Delicious
The Waffle Boss
Wrapper’s Delight
Yayo’s OMG

I’ve been very fortunate the last couple of years to judge some pretty cool (and delicious) culinary events here in Nashville, and now I can add this one to the list!

What I’m really excited about though, is that for the first time ever, I can help one of my readers sit in the judges seat. That’s right. One of you will have the opportunity to be a judge alongside me for this event!

Our judging time is from 12:15 – 2 pm on 9/1, so make sure your calendar is clear for that time before you enter.

~Contest Closed~

the winner is #23 Samantha!

For the rest of you, be sure to check out Nashville Scene’s Bites Blog on Monday when they’ll be doing a giveaway for another judge’s seat!

Here’s what you need to do:

Mandatory

1. Leave a comment answering either of these things: What’s the best street food no one’s thought of? or What’s the best street food you’ve ever eaten?

For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.

2.  Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Want to be a judge for the Nashville Street Food Awards!? Enter @betheats’ contest! http://bit.ly/NVIKHp”, then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.

3.  Like Eat.Drink.Smile. on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)

Contest ends on Saturday, August 25th at Noon Central. Once the winner is chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post it here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose another, so be sure to check your email!