Food truck fare never ceases to amaze me with the various cuisines and quality preparations produced in the kitchen, often the size of a walk-in closet, which is about the breadth and width of Ricky’s Island Café.

The island applies not only to Caribbean roots reflected in the menu, but also the way the truck (small trailer is a better description) looks surrounded by a sea of cars (aka parking lot).

Ricky has a flat top inside and a small grill outside, utilizing both for maximum flavors.

His friendly demeanor while taking orders, cooking and dishing up the food only enhances the island vibe. Simply put, Ricky is laid back, no matter how many people are in line. And he’s quick to thank everything with a heart-felt “Appreciate you.”

The gratitude goes both ways. The distinct flavors evoke island life, even on chilly evenings.

The aptly named Ricky’s Delicious Jerk Chicken ($15) was too hard to ignore, which I’m glad we didn’t.

Several pieces of grilled, cut-up chicken quarters were served with pumpkin rice and a potent salsa made with finely diced pepper, mango and slivers of ginger. The rice was full of pumpkin pieces and allspice berries.

Ricky wasn’t being modest when he described the chicken as delicious. The jerk seasoning on the several pieces of chicken resulted in a dark caramelized coating.

The sweet and savory flavoring transported us from Colorado to warmer climes.

The substantial serving meant leftovers for lunch the next day. Somehow, though, the salsa was even more potent a day later.

Pork tacos ($13) looked a little like carnitas except the pieces of jerk-seasoned pork were cut more haphazardly. Several flour tortillas, to make our own tacos, came with the same salsa and runny guacamole.

The meat was tender and needed no further accoutrements when wrapped in the tortillas. This, too, included pumpkin rice, although fries can be substituted.

Ricky said his macaroni and cheese bowl with jerk sauce ($15) was among the more popular items.

As with most mac and cheese renditions, this was comfort food with a twist.

This was not just because the pasta was cavatappi, the double-twisted macaroni, but rather thanks to the sweet red sauce to pour over it.

The menu has Jamaican and Mexican influences. The majority of offerings feature foods with jerk seasonings and cooking techniques.

The former is a blend of spices combining the spicy and the sweet, such as dried peppers with nutmeg and cinnamon, among many others.

The latter involves poking holes in the protein to infuse the flavors. In addition to the pork tacos are those that come with steak, chicken, shrimp and lobster — all jerk, of course.

There are jerk chicken wings, jerk chicken egg rolls, sandwiches, wraps, even jerk shrimp and grits. Ricky even offers a jerk Philly cheesesteak.

Limited children’s and vegetarian offerings are also available.

The food from this kitchen on wheels is worth tracking down (the schedule can be found on social media sites) and waiting in line for. You’ll be as grateful as Ricky that you did.

Ricky’s Island Cafe

Jamaican and Mexican-influenced food truck fare.

Location: Varies

Contact: Check Facebook and Instagram for schedule.

Prices: $13 to $23

Hours: Vary

Details: Credit cards accepted.

Favorite dishes: Ricky’s Delicious chicken; mac and cheese.

Other: Limited gluten-free and vegan options available.