One of the nicest things about visiting my parents in the summertime is being able to sit in their backyard and bask in the best of the season. They live in an old farmhouse and the backyard is secluded, surrounded on 3 sides by fields that are alternately filled with corn, soybeans or hay. Geese fly in on the early morning breeze to fish and nest and deer regularly leave the safety of the woods to feast on the farmer’s bounty. Nothing beats sitting on the deck with one of my dad’s killer margaritas in hand, shootin’ the breeze, and watching day turn into night.

The only thing that makes it better is if it’s Saturday or Sunday. Because that’s when the succulent smells of barbequed pork ribs and barbequed chicken waft over the hill and through the dale, causing mouths to water and bellies to rumble.

Lisa and Leo’s Chicken & Ribs sits on the corner of Rts 250 and 208 in Louisa County just off the Ferncliff exit of I-64 – but only on the weekends. Armed with a big ol’ barrel barbeque grill, a hand-lettered sign, a tent to provide shade, and a homemade rub recipe and marinade unlike anything I’ve had before,  Leo and Lisa drive from their home in Waynesboro and set up shop outside the Exxon each weekend and have managed to create a growing little business out of a big passion for grilling.

Former residents of Kents Store, with relatives still in the area, they admit it would be easier to keep a location closer to home, but it’s back to the the Louisa/Fluvanna area they come each weekend, and each weekend they find themselves close to selling out of both ribs and chicken.  And once they do, and the grill is shut for the evening, they’re off to visit the family and spend a few hours in their own backyard . . . probably with the mouth-watering smell of the best ribs & chicken I’ve ever eaten still wafting through the trees, carrying a reminder of what’s best about summer.

Lisa & Leo's Ribs & Chicken!

Leo shares his passion for the grill & a few ingredients, too.

If you’re passing through Louisa on I-64, or you’re in Louisa or Fluvanna or anywhere within 100 miles, I’m telling ya,  . . . go see Lisa and Leo!