As if I cared. The beach was not about famous moments in American history. Puh-leeze. It was about little boxes of cereal, frozen Snickers, and ghost stories. And it was about stopping in Calabash on our way to Myrtle Beach to play skee-ball and ride the Swamp Fox rollercoaster. When we’d turn down the road into Calabash, there was always a fight over which restaurant to choose. I inevitably wanted one named “Capt’n” something or other. That made the most sense to me.

We’d put our name on the waiting list. The kids would stand outside under trees or wander down to the inlet to watch the boats pull in. Mrs. Gibson stayed close to the restaurant because she could whistle loud enough to wake the dead when our name was called. It felt like it took an eternity. The smell of fried seafood made the wait even worse.

But worth it. Hushpuppies and fried shrimp and French fries. Cole slaw and deviled crab and tartar sauce. And tea so sweet my teeth hurt. All in air-conditioned luxury. In other words, paradise. Only the promise of a rollercoaster could drag me away.

So, while Acme can’t take everyone to the beach, we can bring the beach to you. The Acme Calabash Night. Next Wednesday, August 24^th. All the usual suspects. But Acme-fied. You can even wear a bathing suit if you like. Just no floaties. Please.

This weekend: pan-seared red snapper. Acme tomato plate. Peach cobbler. Watermelon sangria. Pecan-crusted fried chicken. Gazpacho. Southern sides. Pork chops and succotash. Cheeseburgers. Fig salad. Wild salmon. Housemade spaghetti. Chili relleno. Chicken liver pate. Forever roasted pig. Sweet corn handpie. Blueberry shortcake. Pink wine.

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

Cheers,
The Staff at Acme