Third Annual 8it Awards Pack Out Public Records

For a Tuesday night, we were astounded at 8it’s impact on packing hundreds of foodies into one space like sardines at the beloved Public Records. Here, the third annual 8it Awards took place, where we celebrated those in the food industry who often go underrepresented: pop-up chefs. The underground culinary has some of the most talented chefs, and it’s time they received their flowers at Family Meal.

In addition to awards given out to over a dozen food connoisseurs and establishments, guests feasted on a Southern Indian meal curated by chefs Swetha and Venkat from the Brooklyn Curry Project. The meal featured coconut rice, rajma (kidney bean curry), and spiced appala (tomato salsa).

Bustling bartenders made Indian-inspired cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks like lassi, mango, and coconut-mixed concoctions. Curated by Darnell Holguin, drinks included a mango cardamom spritz, paan old fashioned, pani puri margarita, and a mango coconut lassi fizz. After a champagne toast and honoring the award winners, dessert was served upstairs by Ry Bread With Butter. DJs Matthew Law and Yellowtechnica kept the energy high all night, playing all types of music of every genre.

“We’re humbled to again host the annual 8it Awards. For us, it’s all about shining a spotlight on the underground chefs of the NYC pop-up scene who grind it out, popping up in different kitchens day in and day out,” says 8it CEO Steve Raggiani. “Through these awards and our app, our mission is to make finding the best food in NYC easy for anyone and to amplify the work of food pop-ups around New York.”