Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Red Hook Huarache Truck Up for Vendy Award
Grub Street notes that the 5 finalists for this year’s Vendy Awards have been announced, and Brooklyn will be represented by “Fernando & Jolanda Martinez of the Country Boys/Martinez Taco Truck, known for serving huaraches at the Red Hook Ballfields.” In their Country Boys vendor-profile, Serious Eats writes: “On both Saturday and Sunday, they can be found at the Red Hook ballfields at the intersection of Clinton and Bay, and have a satellite branch at the Brooklyn Flea. Just look for the line that doesn’t seem to be moving—with people in it that don’t seem to care. Yeah, it’s that good.” The 2009 Vendy Awards will be held on Saturday, September 26 at the Queens Museum of Art and tickets are available now.

Taco Wars
The New York Times pits Oaxaca against Calexico and picks a winner: “Calexico’s food is messier in appearance but more consistent in execution. Top billing goes to the carne asada, skirt steak rubbed with a spice mix, marinated overnight and grilled to melting tenderness. It’s terrific, with a punch of flavor so intense, it‘s hard to justify ordering anything else.”

Beer on the Big Screen
“[Barcade and Gutter] owner Paul Kermizian has another claim to fame: a documentary film called American Beer, about an epic cross country road trip he and four buds took to visit 38 breweries in 40 days,” says Brooklyn Based, as they announce their screening of the film on Wednesday, August 26 on the patio of Hope Lounge (10 Hope Street, Williamsburg). “Tickets, available online now and at the door, are just $12, and include a complimentary pint of Cape Ann’s Fisherman’s Brew. Hope Lounge is also offering a free beer with every $7 burger (Sirloin, Turkey or Boca!)”

After the jump: Greenpoint’s members-only ramen joint, Henry’s bahn mi on 7th Avenue, and a wino thief at Amin Indian…

Members-Only Ramen in Greenpoint?
1013 Manhattan Avenue (between Green St & Huron St)
Chowhounds are wondering whether Ichiran Ramen is opening to the public, or continuing as a “private noodle club” for the foreseeable future. Yelper Hideki K says, “Based on my sources, you need to physically go to ramen shop to pick up a neighborhood membership application to have special privileges to dine there during this soft opening period at Ichiran.” Anybody know what the deal is with this place?

New Bahn Mi Joint for Park Slope
According to Eater, a new Vietnamese sandwich shop called Henry’s is set to open at 431 7th Avenue on Thursday and all their sandwiches will cost $5.95. We’re looking forward to seeing how it compares to Ba Xuyên and Hanco’s.

Amin Indian Trashed by Wine Bandit
“Sometime after the DeKalb Avenue eatery closed for the night (on August 14), a no-gooder smashed the front door of the restaurant, entered, wrecked the place, and made off with cases of wine and $25,” says the Brooklyn Paper.