Field goal for your taste buds

“Big Slab” Guava BBQ
Baby Back Ribs ($25.49)
File Photos

The University of Hawaii football season kicks off Aug. 24, and for feeding a bunch of hungry fans, you can’t beat Big City Diner.

A popular choice for parties of all kinds is the Famous Guava BBQ Baby Back Ribs ($25.49 “Big Slab,” $20.49 “Not So Big” Slab). Slow-roasted for five hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone ready, the ribs are smothered in a homemade mango guava barbecue sauce offering a distinctly local touch to a classic American dish.

For especially large gatherings, president and owner Lane Muraoka suggests diners order the ribs as a Full Rack, which is priced at $84.99. The full rack equates to four “Big Slab” orders and provides great savings and value. Orders need to be placed 24 hours in advance. If you want extra sauce, individual bottles of Big City Diner’s Famous Guava BBQ Sauce are sold for $7 each at all restaurant locations.

Tofu Veggie Omelet ($14.99)

Want something a little less heavy? The Citrus-Grilled Salmon Salad ($14.49 “Big Salad,” $11.49 “Not-So-Big Salad”) is a light yet filling choice. Available for lunch and dinner, this popular salad features warm salmon served atop organic mesclun greens, veggies and Roma tomatoes. The salad is served with a spicy ponzu vinaigrette.

As hot as it is, you’ll probably want something cold and refreshing along with your meal. Big City Diner’s massive 25-ounce signature Samurai Li-Hing Lemonade ($4.99) is a refreshing lemonade infused with mint and li-hing mui.

Samurai Li-Hing Lemonade ($4.99)

In addition to being a great place for lunch, dinner and catering, Big City Diner has established itself as a prime spot for breakfast or brunch. A health-conscious morning option is the Tofu-Veggie Omelet ($14.99). Egg whites are combined with tofu, fresh mushrooms, local tomatoes, fresh spinach, broccoli florets and sweet onions smothered with real jack and cheddar cheeses then served with brown rice.

BIG HEARTS HELP FULFILL WISHES

Big City Diner has been a supporter of Make-A-Wish Hawaii for years. Throughout August, diners can purchase a Make-A-Wish Hawaii star or place a donation in a designated can found throughout the restaurant’s dining space — all proceeds will go to the nonprofit. Want to support a good cause and treat your taste buds at the same time? For the rest of the month, a portion of proceeds from every purchase of Big City’s Famous Soybeans ($8.29) will go to Make-A-Wish Hawaii. Made with a blend of Hawaiian rock salt and a dozen different spices, the Famous Soybeans are the perfect accompaniment at lunch or dinner.