MANAYUNK

By Melissa Anderson

Clear skies and a street lined with food, there's nothing else to ask for when you're walking on Main Street in Manayunk. With food trucks, carts, tents, and tables lining the sides of the street on April 9, foodies of all ages filled the space in between as they were greeted by over 70 of Philadelphia's best food trucks and gourmet food vendors.

The StrEAT Food Festival welcomed anyone with an empty stomach to taste the food that was being served. From a handful of places to get BBQ, a whole lot of tacos, and every kind of seafood, to a variety of pizzas, diverse dumplings, and delicious vegan dishes—no one was left unfed. Ice cream was a much needed staple on this sunny day so Zsa's Ice Cream, and popsicle stands like Lil Pop Shop and Mompops kept everyone cool and refreshed.

When foodies needed to take a breath between each of their food stops, Manayunk merchants welcomed them into their stores to shop around. Retail owners ran promotions that drew visitors in to see all that Manayunk has to offer. Pineapple on Main and iPhone Repair Store also had their own pop up tables outside their stores for people on the street to visit.

As everyone made it from one end of the StrEAT Food Festival to the other, music filled the air. Green Lane, Cotton Street, and Shurs Lane all had live bands and artists playing throughout the day. People sat to listen, enjoying the perfect weather and their selection of food.

Many of the vendors participated in the Foodie Contest, where they highlighted dishes featuring strawberries. The winners included Cannoli World, The Chilly Banana, Sweet Lavender, Stockyard Sandwich Co, Birdie's Biscuits, and The Spicy Belly. Judged by local food bloggers, all of the vendors and food trucks created unique strawberry-themed dishes that tested your taste buds.

Can't get enough of all the food that Manayunk has to offer? Come back down to Main Street from now until April 21 for Restaurant Week. Taste the exclusive three course meals that Manayunk restaurants will offer for $15, $25, and $35. Check out the menus for all the participating restaurants