Travel Channel spotlights Black Sheep, Secco serves beer for breakfast, and Ettamae’s says goodbye

Travel Channel’s Adam Richman is looking for America’s best sandwich, and will be paying a visit to Black Sheep. RVA Beer Fest readies a two-day affair, and one of Jackson Ward’s favorite restaurants will close.

May 3, 2012; 9:30 AM • by RVANews staff

In some surprising news, Ettamae’s Cafe, the adorable restaurant in Jackson Ward next to the Hippodrome, will be closing its doors on Monday, May 14th. The restaurant got rave reviews from media around town, was listed as one of Richmond’s best new restaurants by Richmond Magazine, and even had some good press in The New York Times. According to Richmond.com, Chef Matthew Morand and Laura Morand Bailey said while brunch was constantly busy, the fact that professionals near the area rarely stopped in for lunch, and Richmonders seemed hesitant about its location for dinner is ultimately what has forced them to hang up their hats. The duo is not opposed to relocating the restaurant, but nothing is in the works at the moment. If you haven’t dined at Ettamae’s yet, we recommend you make a reservation prior to May 14th. It is a shame that a dining gem like this is going away.

Secco is doing it again…Beer for BREAKFAST. After Richmonders flocked to their first beer for breakfast event in January, the guys over at the Carytown wine bar decided to have a repeat performance. This Sunday May 6 from 10am to 2pm you can sip on Hardywood’s newest beer, the Mocha Belgique as well as the Evil Twin Biscotti Break and dine on the following menu:

House-made corned beef and potato hash with a soft egg
Brioche with house-made butter and raspberry preserves
Strata with asparagus, mushrooms, ramps and gruyere
Scotch eggs with red onion confit and whole grain mustard mayonnaise
Rice pudding parfait with fresh strawberries, honey and citrus
Smoked pork belly, stewed beans, roasted tomatillo & poblano pepper salsa, poached egg & grilled Billy Bread

Parties will be seated at a first come, first serve basis. Remember this place has limited seating, so probably a good idea to keep your group small.

According to Richmond.com, Black Sheep’s CSS Virginia is in the running to be America’s Best Sandwich. Travel Channel’s Adam Richman is kicking off a new sandwich-focused show by traveling around the country in search of America’s best between two slices of bread. The show will launch on June 6th at 9pm and will visit twenty-seven restaurants across the United States in an eleven-episode weekly show. Black Sheep is the only restaurant chosen in the state of Virginia. Way to go Black Sheep and RVA!

Temperatures are soaring, and that means it’s officially festival season in RVA. RVA Beer Fest is happening this Friday and Saturday which will feature the best in regional beers and bands. The guys over at RVA Mag are hosting the two day beer festival which will be held both indoors and outdoors at Gallery5. Check out their Facebook event for schedules and ticket options.

Restaurant rumor alert: It seems that Metro Grill on Robinson is closed (or undergoing renovations)? Fan of the Fan is also reporting that it could be under new ownership. We are keeping our eyes and ears out on this one.