Greetings from Carrboro,

I have to admit that I was underwhelmed. To be honest, I was probably hoping for a bit too much. Because after reading in Mad Magazine that my Irish heritage pegged me as most likely to marry a relative without teeth, the big reveal of the family crest was ripe for disappointment. And somehow an odd-looking wolf and a lone tree didn’t quite stir my ancestral pride. I was hoping for more of a knight/castle theme. With a lance or, better yet, a lion. Oh, well.

But you have to play the cards that you’re dealt. And I must say that seems to be a speciality of the Irish. Sheerly from an agricultural perspective, Irish cuisine was not handed the finest cards. To say the least. But every year as winter draws to a close, I get downright excited for St. Patrick’s Day and all that comes with the celebration. To scratch that Emerald Isle itch, we started brining the brisket for corned beef this morning to make sure that it’s ready to be served starting next Friday, the 15th. And the corned beef is just the tip of that iceberg of Irish deliciousness.

Our plan is to feature the St. Patrick’s Day specials all weekend long. Beef and Guinness pie, bangers and mash, Irish fish chowder, Lamb country captain, oysters on the half shell, Irish soda bread, colcannon, whiskey glazed carrots, salmon & scallop shepherd’s pie, sticky toffee pudding, and, of course, corned beef & cabbage. And, not to worry, the bar will also be joining in the fun with Irish cocktails, lots of whiskey, and Irish-style beers. Family crest or not, everyone can be Irish for a weekend. Erin go bragh, y’all!

And if you are looking for a true harbinger of Spring, look no further. This weekend we will have glorious shad roe from the coast. It’s one of the great North Carolina delicacies that is only around for a brief window in March. We only have so many. Also up from the coast and Salvador at Tom Robinson’s Seafood, we have truly beautiful speckled trout. It’s the freshest seafood around. Period.

There are still 4 tickets left for the Cocktail Class at Atlas this Sunday, March 10th at 4pm. If you don’t know, the bar is just up the road from Acme on Main Street. William and Addie will focus on the flip and the many iterations of that legendary class of drinks. Tickets are $40 and include a selection of various “flips” and the requisite coupe glass for you to take home to add to your collection. You’ll even learn how to make the famous Irish Flip just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

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

Cheers,
The Staff at Acme