Greetings from Carrboro,

People who know me well know that I have a huge head. Literally huge. Bordering on the tragic. My brother called me “truck head” for a reason. And every football coach that I ever had thought it was hilarious. I’ve been spent a good chunk of my life getting over it. And now this. I’m in two magazines at the same time. Two! Esquire and Garden & Gun! Now my head is going to swell even more. Lord. That’s all I need. This is going to require serious neck exercises. I wonder if I can exchange my Thighmaster?

Maybe working in the kitchen will sweat some of that fat out of my skull. That, at least, is my plan for now. It’s not easy at my age. But it is work that I love. Honestly. This Monday is case in point. Well-known Argentinean winemaker José Balbo is in town to show off his 90+ point wines from Mendoza – Malbec in all its glory. Lucky for us, he’s coming over for dinner so that we can show off our food with his wines. It’s an amazing opportunity to sample some of the hottest wines sold in America with some downright delicious Acme food. And talk to the man whose family is at the very heart of the great Argentine wine renaissance. If my baseball cap doesn’t fit and I have to wear a hair net, do not laugh. Please.

The dinner will start at 6:30. Price is $60 per person for 5 courses and 5 wines (1 white wine and 4 red). Menu is below. Reservations are required (919 929 2263). What else do you have planned? Dancing with the Stars? Really?

Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.

Acme Wine Dinner with José Balbo

1^st 

Scallop Ceviche

Ruby Red Grapefruit, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Jicama, Lime

Crios Torrontes 2010

2^nd

Smoked Local Pork Cheek Risotto

Butternut Squash, Arugula, Grilled Sweet Onions, Asiago

Susana Balbo Malbec 2008

3^rd

Bourbon Glazed Duck Breast

Sweet Potato, Corn, Parsnip, Thyme Reduction

BenMarco Expresivo 2008

4^th

Black Pepper and Rosemary Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Manchego and Olive Mashed Potatoes, Demi Glace

Susana Balbo Brioso 2008

5^th

Dark Chocolate Custard

Brandied Black Cherries, Cream

Susana Balbo Late Harvest Malbec 2008

Cheers,

The Staff at Acme

Reservations online or 919 929 2263