August 27th, 2026
Greetings from Carrboro,
The photograph is black and white. At the center are a young couple; it’s hard to believe that both of my daughters are older than either of them. Their parents stand somewhat stiff, half-smiling at their sides. The church is unfamiliar but not terribly unlike the subdued Presbyterian sanctuary of my childhood in Charlotte. A formal arrangement of roses dutifully fills a large vase next to the pulpit.
My parents were married 71 years ago today in Greenville, SC. The photograph is the only proof I have that their parents actually met. And I struggle to imagine what my collective grandparents might have talked about, even casually, that weekend. The distinct worlds of either branch of my family tree are almost impossible to interlace. My father’s family with its very northern, very big city lineage and my mother’s with its small town, very southern heritage feel incompatible even today. What they did have in common were the two young people – so, so very happy – standing between them.
I still bear the marks of that day. As does Carrboro. Acme is clearly an homage to my mother’s side of the family. The portions are generous, dessert is never overlooked, and the palate is overwhelmingly southern. Then there’s Atlas, an unquestionable avatar of my father’s parents. It’s probably enough to say that my father took the streetcar home from high school and that he spoke French once he got there. Also, a shared, rather sincere fondness for a well-measured cocktail and all things artistic.
The interesting part is that my mother would have loved Atlas. The woman was unafraid of a martini – vodka, twist, rocks – or striking up a lively conversation with a stranger. (I’m not sure we ever bought a Christmas tree without figuring out before leaving that we were somehow connected to the Ashe County guy who sold it to us.) And my father would have been thrilled with Acme. At one point his doctor told him to never eat barbecue for dinner. So, intelligently, he only had it for lunch. Dad loved long meals and longer conversations and would recount restaurant meals with a passion usually reserved for lovers.
Looking at the photograph, I can see the earnest trepidation in my grandparents’ faces. And the beaming confidence in the faces of my parents. It’s as if they inhabit opposite sides of the same coin. One brimming with optimism for the future and the other with a deep regard for life’s unrelenting challenges. But both deeply believing in the same truth – albeit with very different perspectives. It’s something Acme and Atlas clearly embody from that warm, summer day 71 years ago: Falling in love has consequences.
There are still a few places left for our natural wine class on Sunday @ Atlas. We’ll get started at 5pm. The legendary Sophie Barrett will join us to provide insight on this incredibly interesting group of wines and winemakers. Acme will be providing delicious snacks in case you were wondering.
Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.
Cheers,
The Staff at Acme
