Greetings from Carrboro,

It’s inevitable. Think thunder after lightning. When I’m talking to guests there’s a particularly pregnant pause that always leads to “well, what should we have to eat tonight?” Oh. Joy. You’d think I’d know how to answer that by now. But no. I flail and descend into the swamp of chattering banality, recommending everything, and sounding more like an overly caffeinated cheerleader than a chef. It’s sad.

But not this weekend. No siree bob. I got this. You want a recommendation? Here it is: soft shell crabs. Booyah! No question. It’s hard for me to imagine anyone wanting anything else. The way I see it, coming to Acme for something other than soft shell crabs this time of year is like going to a Rolling Stones concert for the beer.

If the mere mention of soft shells has you drooling on your iPhone, I’m right there with you. There was this awkward moment when I almost hugged the delivery driver. (Chef rule #119: do NOThug delivery drivers.) Needless to say, that was a close call. I definitely need to work on that.

John Soehner brought in the last piece – arugula that he cut this morning. That means we’re ready for you. Soft shell crabs with Romesco sauce, rice, and arugula. Pretty amazing. So, what are you eating this weekend?

And if your heart can handle an absolute excess of joy, there is the chance to have half-price oysters on the half shell and soft shell crabs at one sitting. And, yes, that’s tonight. Acme halfy hour. From 5:30 to 7:30 every Thursday a dozen delicious oysters are only 12 bucks. Pretty ridiculous, I know. But tonight, oh my. If you do go for the full monty, we kindly ask that you do this sitting down. Ecstasy has a dramatic effect on balance.

This weekend @ Acme: Soft. Shell. Crabs. Grilled 22oz bone-in ribeyes. Strawberry shortcake. Acme cornbread. Pan-seared bigeye tuna. Pecan-crusted fried chicken. Curried spring carrot soup. Grilled Caesar salad (with the most beautiful local little gem lettuce!). Forever roasted pig. Carolina shrimp & chilaquiles. Blackened salmon. Overnight braised beef short ribs. Flash-fried grouper. Clams Casino, Shooting Point oysters on the half-shell. Did I mention soft shell crabs?

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

Cheers,

The Staff at Acme

Reservations: 919 929 2263 or online