| Lee Ann Whippen is not just a pretty lady. She owns | | | | In 2002, Lee Ann Whippen decided that her love of |
| her own BBQ Catering business "Wood Chicks" based | | | | BBQ and experience in catering would be the perfect |
| in Virginia, runs two popular BBQ restaurants, has her | | | | combination to begin "Wood Chicks BBQ" Catering |
| own range of sauces and rubs, and to top it off, is a | | | | and Competition team in 2002. |
| successful pro competitor with over $170,000 dollars | | | | Her catering business became a success and |
| of prize money to her name. | | | | branched into BBQ vending at local fairs and festivals |
| It comes as no surprise that Lee Ann Whippen is | | | | including Neptune Festival, Suffolk Peanut Festival, |
| currently one of the seven competitors in TLC's BBQ | | | | Strawberry Pungo Festival, Driver Days and |
| Pitmasters that is currently airing on Thursdays 10pm | | | | Chesapeake Jubilee. |
| 9c vieing for the $40,000 prize that is currently | | | | State Competitions continued with most recently |
| hanging in the balance between her, and her fellow | | | | winning the 2009 Virginia State BBQ Grand Champion! |
| competitors including Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone, | | | | Due to the growth and demand, Wood Chicks BBQ |
| Harry Soo, Paul Petersen, Jamie Geer and Johnny | | | | wanted to bring Authentic Smoked BBQ locally and |
| Trigg. | | | | have it available 7days a week for their customers. |
| Interestingly Lee Ann favors the use of a Jedmaster | | | | To satisfy the BBQ craving of all local patrons she |
| (rotisserie smoker) and for smaller cuts, uses the | | | | opened Wood Chicks BBQ restaurant in February |
| WSM Weber Smokey Mountain and Green Egg | | | | 2005 and at a second location in April 2008 at 1025 N. |
| Ceramic Smoker. | | | | Battlefield Blvd. |
| Lee Ann Whippen's BBQ Grilling Tips | | | | Awards have resulted in Lee Ann Whippen appearing |
| 1. Grill grates should be cleaned or scraped prior to | | | | on the Today Show, Travel Channel, 700 Club, Food |
| grilling and oil (i.e. Vegetable, Olive Oil) should be | | | | Network, People Magazine and locally WAVY TV, Joel |
| applied with cloth to prevent sticking. | | | | Rubin Show, The Virginia Pilot, VERSUS Network on |
| 2. Soak wood chips in water for ½ hour, drain and | | | | the National BBQ Championship Series, and most |
| enclose in piece of foil. Poke holes in foil with fork to | | | | recently on FOOD NETWORK THROWDOWN WITH |
| allow smoke to escape. Place directly on coals to | | | | BOBBY FLAY WITH WOOD CHICKS WINNING BEST |
| flavor your favorite meats. | | | | PORK BBQ and Featured on New TLC 8 part |
| 3. Don't use flavored (i.e. Mesquite) charcoal as it adds | | | | docu-series BBQ PITMASTERS airing Dec. 3, 2009 at |
| a chemical taste rather than natural wood flavors. | | | | 10pm! |
| 4. Baste with sauces during last half hour of cooking | | | | Wood Chicks BBQ Restaurants |
| not in the beginning. | | | | Wood Chick's BBQ Restaurant Opened February 23, |
| 5. Marinating your meats prior to cooking will not only | | | | 2005 with our 2nd location NOW OPEN at 1025 N. |
| add flavor but also create a tenderer product. | | | | Battlefield Blvd! Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia |
| 6. Try to avoid Lighter Fluid and use starter sticks or | | | | State BBQ Champions now will have their award |
| Charcoal Chimney to light your fire so meat flavors | | | | winning smoked BBQ available 7days a week for |
| don't get tainted. | | | | your enjoyment in 2 locations in Chesapeake, Virginia! |
| A brief history of Lee Ann Whippen's Wood Chicks | | | | Wood Chicks Catering |
| Lee Ann Whippen's Wood Chicks Business | | | | Lee Ann Whippen's business, Wood Chicks BBQ, also |
| Lee Ann Whippen began competing in State BBQ | | | | offers catering services for almost any kind of event. |
| Championships in 1996 and after winning the Georgia | | | | From full-service, on site catering for 1000+ people to |
| State Championship in 1996 went on to with 1st | | | | a classic backyard BBQ you'll never forget. |
| place in pork in the prestigious American Royal | | | | For those considering using Wood Chicks at their |
| National Championship. While continuing professionally | | | | event, they will be pleased to know that a dedicated |
| in Hotel Catering for 15yrs, she competed in BBQ and | | | | representative is available to discuss and plan the |
| won numerous awards. | | | | events details as well as sample food beforehand. |