Big Red — Review by BeardMeatsFood
Alvor, Portugal — Portuguese Barbecue
BeardMeatsFood takes on Big Red's King of Ribs challenge in Alvor, Portugal, attempting to consume 3 kilos of ribs in under 26 minutes to earn the King of Kings title. Despite finding the peri peri ribs too spicy, he completes the challenge in 21 minutes and 5 seconds, earning the crown and enjoying a traditional Portuguese sticky toffee pudding as the celebratory dessert.
What was great: The ribs were delicious with clean bones and good barbecue sauce flavor, the peri peri ribs were flavorful though spicy, the sticky toffee pudding was enjoyable, fun challenge experience with costume reward
What could improve: The peri peri ribs were too spicy for the reviewer's preference and a bit dry compared to the regular ribs
The Dishes
The challenge consisted of three different types of ribs totaling 3 kilos: plain barbecue ribs, smoky barbecue ribs, and peri peri ribs. The plain ribs were tackled first and proved delicious with clean bones and excellent barbecue sauce flavor. The regular barbecue ribs also tasted keenly of barbecue sauce without complaint. However, the peri peri ribs presented a challenge, being noticeably drier and significantly spicier than anticipated, causing the reviewer to struggle with the heat level. The challenge also included side dishes like beans and coleslaw, which the reviewer praised as some of the best he'd had. He creatively used the chips to mop up barbecue sauce, demonstrating impressive technique. For dessert, he finished with a traditional Portuguese sticky toffee pudding, which was served in a theatrical manner befitting his newly won royal status.
The Experience
The entire experience was theatrical and engaging. Upon arrival, the reviewer was greeted with Big Red's wall of fame and informed about the challenge rules. The atmosphere was fun and supportive, with staff encouraging him throughout the hour-long challenge. A highlight was the costume element - if successful, diners get dressed in a special robe and crown, making them the King of Ribs. The reviewer successfully completed the challenge in 21 minutes and 5 seconds, beating the 26-minute record to become King of Kings. Staff were friendly and entertaining, and the dessert was served with great ceremony, even allowing staff to feed him the pudding while wearing his royal outfit.
Value & Pricing
While specific pricing wasn't mentioned in the transcript, the challenge appears to be a competitive eating event that provides exceptional entertainment value. The experience includes not just the food but also costumes and bragging rights as part of the King of Kings title, making it a unique attraction at the restaurant.
Notable Moments
Three kilos of ribs is no mean feat.
20 minutes and 21 seconds. Who said this was the best coleslaw in Albu? Really? He didn't even put it with a chip. Sacrilegious.
Officially king of kings.
The reviewer was visibly impressed with his own performance, particularly noting he'd never seen a glass this clean 20 minutes into a food challenge before. The moment he completed the challenge and was dressed in the King of Kings costume became a memorable highlight of the video.
The Verdict
Big Red's King of Ribs challenge in Alvor is an excellent destination for competitive eating enthusiasts and those seeking a fun, theatrical dining experience. The ribs are quality and flavorful, though those sensitive to spice should approach the peri peri variety cautiously. The restaurant successfully combines good food with entertaining showmanship, making it perfect for visitors to Portugal looking for a memorable challenge. For those confident in their eating abilities and seeking bragging rights, this is definitely worth attempting.