Issue One

GiGi's Restaurant | 257 East Ferry Street | 716.883.1348 | photo by Dellas

Never would anyone attempt to dismantle the grand traditions of Buffalo cuisine, but if ever you find yourself not quite in the mood for the old beef on weck, or a big bucket of chicken wings, or if the Friday fishfry needs a rest, a ride over to GiGi’s might prove to be a welcome change.

Located a few blocks from Main Street on East Ferry, GiGi’s is an example of another old tradition. Like the abandoned barn jukejoints of Mississippi, or the crawfish havens nestled between flophouses in Louisiana, GiGi’s ramshackle brick facade, conspicuously unattended, earns its chops purely by the quality of its food.

In keeping with those southern establishments, you won’t find chicken finger subs or kielbasa at GiGi’s - the fare is pure soul food. Grilled pork chops, blackeyed peas, ham steaks, mashed potatoes and cornbread are a few of the items offered, with a tall glass of sweet tea to wash it all down. The menu varies each day, and it seems that most of the clientele stick to whatever specials are posted.

It seems also that - having come three times in one week - there is a steadfast group of regular customers. Customers, however, may not be the right word. And that is another aspect of GiGi’s transported southern charm: It almost seems like family. While you will certainly not find a maitre’d, or a polished Brunswick bar with copper rails, what you will find is a feeling of ease, a sense of community, a general goodwill that in other days was a given when people sat down for meals. And don’t forget, the food is excellent.

The first time I ate at GiGi’s a friend came along. Afterwards, when we were walking toward the car, I asked her what she thought. "Good cookin, good lovin," was her reply, and that, I believe, just about says it all.

RPG