Was invited as a judge through Yelp for the food festival and had high expectations from what was listed on their website and extensive list of food vendors they had advertised.
We (Yelp Elite) met the coordinator in order to listen to information on directions on how to sample food vendors and vote. It was put simply that there were three lines per vendor and that we could get samples by simply letting the vendors know we were guest judges. We then would vote on our favorite vendors and submit our results after all the given tickets were used up.
The event was simply put as horrible and highly unorganized. Most vendors were unprofessional in denying such line for samples or didn't participate in the "contest". Besides that, there was not as many vendors as advertised and seemed to be a bait for a higher turn out for the festival. Also, it's staff did not contain enough knowledge to direct us anywhere or about anything related to the event. It was a mess.
I do have to mention that The Panini Guys and Longhorn Steakhouse were the only vendors who participated in the sampling as well as showing some form of respect towards us judges. As mentioned before, most vendors were unprofessional in their responses and condescending.
Poorly coordinated, planned and lacked in many aspects. Probably the saddest excuse for something they call a Street Food Festival. Many other guests who had purchased VIP wristbands realized they paid more for nothing VIP and that it was overheard that many wanted refunds for their tickets. Let's just say, I will not be returning- even if offered as a guest judge.