Brunch during a Pandemic {A Review of The Black Sheep}
Beef Brisket is the secret to the fabulous Corn Beef Hash
Author: ArtsyChowRoamer
Sunday Brunch
A REVIEW OF THE BLACK SHEEP
It’s difficult to think
anything but pleasant thoughts
while eating a
homegrown tomato
Writer – Lewis Grizzard
My husband’s birthday was coming up and it was a big one-you know with a zero at the end? Somehow a card and a gift just didn’t seem to be enough.
If you’re like us, you’re still more than a little nervous about venturing out to restaurants. But I felt we had to celebrate so I set about finding a new place to go; one with an outdoor patio for more safety during these pandemic times we are living through.
I hoped for beautiful September weather that would allow us to dine alfresco without sweat pooling everywhere possible! This post will review our pick for the important birthday celebration.
The Black Sheep in Blue Ridge, Georgia is now serving Saturday and Sunday brunch; complete with a beautiful outdoor space with socially distanced tables covered with stylish black and white umbrellas.
SHADY PATIO DINING
The tables were nestled underneath a huge tree of a certain age that provided additional shade and cooling. An outdoor fire pit was circled by deep comfy chairs.
My entertainer, Trevor, was putting out beautiful soft rock melodies on an electric piano that took me back some days recalling Elton John, The Commodores and Fleetwood Mac. Sunday Morning was one of his best of the day and I complimented him on his voice and choices.
After a brief reservation snafu we were whisked off to one of the lovely shady tables where our friendly server Lindsay quickly appeared in mask to say hello and tell us what the specials were for the day (Italian Sausage Soup, Pork Belly Taco and Bloody Mary’s). Their Bloodies were gosh darn good with an olive, pickled onion and okra stick to compliment the spiciness.
The restaurant itself is housed in the historic Butt House built in 1914 by Colonial William Butt; an attorney, an alderman and Mayor of Blue Ridge and a member of the Georgia legislature. It is a lovely gracious home and they entertained a lot; at one time hosting Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, for a tea party.
The home was one of the first to have indoor plumbing and many of the architectural details are original such as the marble stairs. The house was given a gentle facelift to return it to it’s former glory before opening the restaurant.
SELECTION OF STARTERS
Terrific starters include fresh oysters on the half shell, fried calamari, tuna tacos, crab cakes, lamb lollipop chops and brussels sprout with maple glaze and apple wood bacon.
All sounded delicious and ranged in price from $13-17. Several salads and soup were offered from $7-13. Our pick would have been the roasted beet with goat cheese, candied pecans, red onion and balsamic dressing.
THOUGHTFUL MENU OFFERINGS
There’s an entrée pick for everyone with this well thought out menu of offerings. Cat Head Chicken Biscuit includes sausage gravy, cheese, bacon and home fries. Salmon and Candied Bacon BLT with a dill aioli hits the mark for seafood lovers but they could also love the shrimp with grits or fish and chips. My husband decided on the Crap Cake Benedict with poached eggs, home fries and hollandaise.
Where’s the beef you ask? Try the Black Sheep Burger on brioche bun or the heavenly Corn Beef Hash made with smoked peppered Angus beef brisket. This was my choice and it was a marvelous selection.
The beef was perfectly seasoned and done in smaller shreds which meant you could easily cut the tender goodness with a fork. The poached eggs were large with just the right amount of runny yolk-a perfect poach is not as easy as you think.
A loose hash was created using the beef, onions and red pepper to place on top of small squares of brown crispy home fries that eagerly soaked up all the eggy goodness. I really can’t say enough about this dish.
I also tasted the Benedict and it was equally good with the crab serving as the bread component-super fresh and tasty like you want crab to be (read not fishy tasting here).
A slice of tender ham and sauce on top was luscious with poached egg perfection once again. Both dishes were beautifully composed on white plates which presents such a nice contrast in color.
The entrees were sizable and while my husband finished his off I asked for a box and made another breakfast from the leftovers. Prices ranged from $15-20 and while this might seem like Atlanta pricing….this is Atlanta quality and goodness that you don’t often find in many of the restaurants around North Georgia. It’s worth it.
SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
We were so full that we didn’t think we would have dessert but we did want to try a signature cocktail from a nice list of possibilities.
He chose an Elderflower 75 involving champagne and gin while I picked a Lemon Basil Martini. Both were just the right amount of sweet to underlying herb and flowery wonder. I could drink that martini every day and plan on making my own version of it a staple for next summers meals.
DESSERT ANYONE?
Lindsay circled back and gave us our dessert choices that included Crème Brulee. Well that had to be the choice and our calorie count was off the charts even though we shared one.
Admittedly, it was the best one I have ever had because of the correct finish on the sugar topping, a perfect dollop of fresh cream and a sliced juicy strawberry on the side. The texture was so light, rich and creamy that we wished we had each ordered one.
Brown sugar perfection on the Creme Brulee
This is a progressive, locally sourced, chef inspired New Americana menu, an excellent “Wine Spectator” recognized wine list and top notch service all offered within a gracious home setting of historical significance.
CONCLUSION
You still have time left to enjoy an outdoor patio in beautiful weather throughout October even if you need to throw a sweater around your shoulders. The music area will be cranking up that warm fire pit for those chilly fall evenings.
The bar is open air but had heaters mounted above the windows. The twinkling lights hanging around in the trees make for a magical setting in the evening. They are back to regular hours through the week and do offer indoor dining now in a responsible way.
BTW when sitting on the patio they also offer a dog friendly area so you can bring your pup with you. Since my furry travel companion goes everywhere with me I was delighted to see this. My neighbors across the way had a pretty cute Lassie type with them.
The food is wonderful, the music is nostalgic and the atmosphere can’t be beat so I am sure The Black Sheep can be a great spot to safely brave an evening out during these difficult times. Make a visit…tell them I sent ya!
If you liked what you read, you may also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. Look for more upcoming foodie posts. Until next time…
Cheers,
ArtsyChowRoamer
Follow me on You Tube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter
TO MY READERS: This post originally appeared in a shortened form in my column, The Curious Corner, for Smoke Signals Newspaper.
Food
If you like what you read, click on the button below!
Why? You’ll get a recipe for duck bacon which will impress anyone you serve it to plus other great stuff I promise you’ll want!