Earlier this month, my friends and I joined thousands of people on South Street for Night Market Philadelphia, a street food festival featuring dozens of vendors, from the city’s best food trucks to ethnic and regional restaurants, as well as entertainment from local musicians. Since its debut in East Passyunk in 2010, The Food Trust has hosted more than 10 Night Markets in various areas around the city, with the goal of highlighting that neighborhood’s vendors and local businesses and strengthening community connections. Past events took place in neighborhoods including University City, Northern Liberties, Mount Airy and Fairmount. 

Open from 6 to 10 p.m., Night Market was already packed with Philly foodies when we arrived at dusk. We made our way through the crowds and strolled the nine blocks from Front Street to Ninth Street to take in the scene and decide what to eat and drink. The third event of the 2013 season, the South Street Night Market was the biggest yet, with more than 80 vendors. A handful of South Street restaurants such as Bistro Romano, Bridget Foy’s, Supper, Brauhaus Schmitz, Nomad Pizza and Xochitl set up shop to represent the neighborhood. 

While my friends waited in line for a delicious, freshly-baked pizza from Nomad, I ventured over to Cupcake Carnivale’s truck for an artisan cupcake. I chose Carnivale’s signature cupcake, a red velvet, from its gourmet menu of cupcakes, which included flavors like cotton candy, coconut lime, toffee and vanilla. The cake was fresh, and the frosting was creamy and delicious! 

With so many trucks to choose from and long lines, I wish I would have arrived earlier to sample more food trucks. I’m looking forward to the next festival, set to take over Chinatown on Thursday, Oct. 3. Visit the website for more information. 

— Monique Barrett, advertising and editorial coordinator