I honestly can’t remember when or how I met Siobhan and Alex, or as they’re known to their close friends (and ardent followers) Blondie and Brownie. But I do remember when I started linking to their blog. It was a little bit over 5 years ago, around the time they made it their mission to eat every single thing on the Treats Truck’s menu. You know … for “science.” Of course, when VendrTV launched their YouTube show with an episode about the Treats Truck, it surprised nobody to see them hovering in the background, eyeing the brownies … and blondies.
Years later, when my family’s move to Los Angeles forced me to hand over the reins of Midtown Lunch, “Blondie” and “Brownie” were the two very first people I asked to contribute. From eating a Walgreens cheeseburger that I refused to eat, to finding the best fried fish sandwich from a cart for Lent, their fearless attitude towards scoping out the best things to eat in NY has always impressed.
And their commitment to the New York street food scene is second to none. Every year Midtown Lunch holds a showdown called Street Meat Palooza, to determine the best plate of chicken and lamb over rice with white sauce and hot sauce in Midtown. They’ve been to all five (and Siobhan actually ran this past year’s contest!) And I can’t remember the last Vendy Awards they weren’t at as volunteers.
A New York without street food is unimaginable, and in the years since Alex and Siobhan started their blog, Blondie and Brownie, the scene has only gotten better and better. From halal street meat and Mexican tacos, to belgian waffles and jerk chicken, there has never been a better time to step outside for meal in New York City. And it’s not just the food that’s amazing, but the vendors themselves have amazing stories to tell and recipes to share (some for the first time ever!) And I can’t think of two better people to share their creations than them. I hope you enjoy this book, and let it inspire you. Not just to make the recipes yourself at home, but to come to New York and try the street food!