Blackbird Pizzeria Wins Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Contest

Philadelphia-based vegan eatery Blackbird Pizza won the 3rd annual Best Vegan Cheesesteak Contest, which was organized by Philly.com’s V for Veg columnist, Vance Lehmkuhl. Blackbird—which won the championship in 2014 but was usurped in 2015 by this year’s second-place winner Royal Tavern—brought home the gold with its newly re-mastered seitan-based sandwich. Entries from local vegan and non-vegan participants were presented to a panel of four judges who conducted an official taste test at music venue Union Transfer. Local vegan businesses were in attendance to give away prizes to participants, including gift cards from Vedge, dinner vouchers for Miss Rachel’s Pantry, cookies from Crust Vegan Bakery, and doughnuts from newly-opened bakery Dottie’s Donuts. The contest was promoted by Philadelphia news outlet Philly.Com—which proudly touts Philadelphia’s vegan-friendliness—and attracted widespread attention including from vegan New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.