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>>LEAP TO LOUISA TO TRY SMOKIN EDDIE'S BBQ--AND MORE

March 18, 2010 12:36 am

BY LINDA SALISBURY

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

In tough economic times, many folks are looking for economy, as well as quality, when they decide to eat out.

Problem solved: Homey, comfy, reasonably priced fare is found at Smokin Eddie's BBQ & More in downtown Louisa. The storefront restaurant on Main Street serves lunch and dinner most days, and adds breakfast on Saturday.

Hometown pride is evident with sports jerseys from Louisa High School displayed on the walls. A high school student offered a cheerful welcome as My Dining Partner and I settled into one of the booths.

We'd had a good BBQ lunch there before, but hadn't tried dinner.

We skipped the two appetizers of the day and decided to split a bowl of chili ($3), with cheese and a dollop of sour cream. The chili had a homemade flavor even though it was only "one alarm" spicy.

MDP ordered the half rack of ribs dinner ($12.95) with sides of baked beans and potato salad. He was pleased with the dry rub on the meaty ribs. The large portion of potato salad had chunks of egg and the kind of good flavor that you find a neighborhood potluck.

The beans were even better, with a sweetness in the sauce that persuaded us to savor every bite.

I decided to have the BBQ combo ($6.50)--a generous hickory-smoked pork sandwich, topped with coleslaw (slaw is optional, but I like it on BBQ), plus a side of macaroni and cheese.

I sampled the hot and mild sauces on the table, and picked mild for its tangy semi-sweetness. It was a five-napkin sandwich as I tried to contain the contents in the bun.

The macaroni was as colorful as a Central Virginia sunset. It was a gooey mix, the kind especially liked by kids. I would have liked a little more seasoning, such as mustard to jazz it up a bit.

I had hoped to order a salad, but they had run out of lettuce. Another time.

The hometown eatery boasted three homemade desserts ($3 each). MDP picked banana pudding, and I, the chocolate peanut butter crunch cake, which our server recommended.

The pudding, served with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, was creamy and rises to five-star comfort food. My slice of German chocolate cake was frosted with a whipped green frosting (think St. Patrick's Day), and was dripping with caramel sauce. The crunch came from a topping of crushed Butterfingers candy bar. Each dessert was large enough to share.

For economy, service and homemade tastes, this downtown restaurant has solid appeal.

Linda Salisbury is the author of the "Bailey Fish" books, an award-winning adventure series for kids.