The 10th Annual New York City Vendy Awards just ended, but the celebration of street food continues. This weekend, our good friend Jeff Orlick has organized another great street food event – and you don’t need tickets for this one! The annual Viva La Comida! is always one of my favorite events because it celebrates the international cuisines of Queens and gives the dedicated – but often undersung – vendors a chance to shine.
The event is sponsored by the 82nd Street Partnership, a neighborhood development group dedicated to the growth of small local businesses, to celebrate the vibrant and diverse neighborhood. Street food is not the only thing in the spotlight, as the event also highlights local brick-and-mortar businesses, as well as music, dance, and art.
This year Jeff has brought on board some exciting vendors. Since some truly great vendors can be found in almost every far-flung corner of Queens, it’s usually impossible to meet all the vendors and sample their amazing food in one day, but Viva la Comida makes that possible and celebrates their diversity. From Potala, a Tibetan momo cart, to Vendy Award-nominated Ricas Botanas Mexicanas (the best churros I’ve ever tasted), to Manos Peruanas (who are sometimes featured on our Midtown Food Cart Tour), to the sainted Arepa Lady, it will be a full day of eating.
This year’s Viva la Comida festivities are being held on Saturday, September 20, 1-8pm (past editions have been on a weekday evening, so this year’s event will last much longer – maybe time enough to wait in line for two arepas!). Join us this Saturday on 82nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue. It’s a free festival, but the experience is truly priceless. For more information, visit the vivalacomida.com.