Gigi and Big R

My friends ... can I call you friends? It was hot ... the steam was rushing off the blades of grass along the campus of the University of Pennsylvania enveloping those walking Philadelphia's streets with another layer of unneeded moisture. It was high noon, the curbsides littered with aluminum shelters and colorful delivery trucks providing pedestrians with a global array of aromas.My chosen mission, after bidding a friend with a temporary residency at U of Penn's hospital adieu, was the discovery of a quality lunch of distinction from amidst the array of options.No, I did not desire a lengthy searching process but after smelling, staring and snooping along the streets I discovered the right choice on a very hot day!An extensive menu with small and large plate options greeted me as did a clear path to the truck's open window. Ahh tropical heat ... I needed the islands JERK was the answer and as my head inched its way into the window I could smell mouth watering delights.My "man" in the truck was losing pounds by the moment in the heat but his greeting was warm. The conversation between strangers friendly and he smiled at my choices ... JERK chicken, which he affirmed by saying "you are going to really like it," some sweet yams and greens.I watched him scoop my very large lunch (I ordered small) into the styro box and it looked oh so good! The money exchange didn't hurt my wallet either.It was ungodly hot outside so to enjoy my meal I returned to the confines of the hospital's air conditioned lobby to indulge!He was right ... I really loved the bite of the jerk seasonings that had me licking my fingers in public! The greens and yam combo was awesome! I wanted more even though this delicious lunch filled me (And, there was no way I was walking back on those hot sweaty streets!).So where is Star #5? Well, as others have noted the chicken was a bit tough and warm not hot. A curse related to food truck cooking where the food awaits the diner versus being freshly prepared in the kitchen. Minor complaint because next time I am on Philly's hot streets at lunch time in close proximity to food truck heaven I will be looking for another visit at this kitchen on four wheels!

I ordered the Platter "Jerk Chicken" comes with 2 sides (fries & cabbage). Chicken was really soft and flavored with the sauce, but their sides were okay. The portion size was definitely worth the money, but will not order it again since there will be better options to choose with better sides.

I ordered a meal through Ubereats and the delivery driver waited so long that he canceled the order. I called them and the young man that answered the phone said my order confirmed what happened. I was fine with it, my 79 year old mother wanted something eat from there. I asked if I can reorder, he gave me the number to I guess the boss for permission. I called him and he was so RUDE. He said he sent the order and claimed he was going to call Ubereats and hung up on me. Now mind you, the young man confirmed what actually happened. I sent the boss a text with a pic of my canceled order and said to him that he was rude for hanging up on me. I have been going there for at least 15 years and never was treated like this. They have lost a faithful customer.

I miss the truck being at 38th & spruce Street. The biggest, best tasting platters in the city.

Haven't been the Gigi's in a while but I definitely love the fried whiting and potato salad from here! I'll have to pay them another visit in the near future; but I definitely used to come here all the time! I recommend calling ahead of time because the wait times a little bit of a hassle, but needless to say the food speaks volumes!

We had a delicious platter of jerk chicken, potato salad and Mac and cheese at the Ambler festival last night! Great seeing you guys glad you're back around!

I'm halfway into senior year and finally decided to venture out to Gigi and Big R's side of the intersection one day because they didn't have a line. (Note: They do take a while to cook the meat though.)The food is awesome, but I was blown away by how nice they were! They realized I was new since I was trying to read the menu and gave me (and a few loyal customers who were there) a few different samples. The jerk chicken is super good, but way too spicy for me! I wish their fried chicken wings had more meat on them. The potato salad and cabbage are excellent, and their mac and cheese is the best I've tasted in years! I am currently writing this review while drooling-- I mean, deciding which sides to choose with my platter...The only issue is the price. I've learned to get the $13 large and eat it for 2 meals instead of the $11 medium for 1.5 meals.If you like their sides more than their chicken, you should try the $10 "vegetable" platter that comes with 4 sides and is prepared much faster because you don't have to wait for them to fry the chicken!

Jerk chicken was absolutely delicious. The meat was just falling off the bone and so flavorful. I had a side of rice and string beans.

I used to love them - I even voted for them at the Vendy Awards last year. Now the thought of them just irritates me. Why are they are SO slow now? Why?? One time I ordered the jerk chicken (which is normally pre-stewed) w/ greens and cabbage - it took over 20 minutes and I was the only one there at the time.My next most recent experience was even worse. Went during lunch - ordered the jerk chicken w/ greens and french fries. 25 min passes... no food. A guy walks up to order and gets his food in less than 5 minutes. So after he pays, I ask the staff what the deal was? I ordered forever ago and still no food. He says, the fryer is frying really slowly so if you still want the fries, it will take a long time. What?!?! How can a fryer fly slowly!? Does it mean the oil frying food at a super low temp, therefore causing you to have the oiliest fries ever bc it just soaks?! Why didnt they tell me 25 min ago?! And why didn't they put the fries in the fryer 25 min ago?! Totally inexcusable. Definitely never returning.

Visited Gigi's and Big R's on Saturday, 9/25/22. We ordered 2 Swai platters with Mac and cheese and cabbage. The fish was to die for. As for the mac and cheese, it looked like the sides of the casserole dish was scraped and served as a side. The cabbage had very little taste. It lacked seasoning. Our platters were served in the small styrofoam containers, so the portions didn't add up to the 15.00each that we paid. We've been patrons forever...since 30th and Market St.What a huge disappointment. Date corrected to Sat. 9/24.