Greetings from Carrboro,
It tries a bit too hard. To say the least. The AI generated emails that populate my inbox are littered with the entire lexicon of cool-kid speak infused with cringeworthy dude-adjacent compliments all too reminiscent of a new 8th grade student trying to fit in at lunch. Telling me that I’m “crushing it in Carrboro” and that our “silos might overlap” and the sincerest of hopes that we can “grab a call” when I “shake free.” I can’t help but to imagine this wannabe bathed in cologne, coiffed with wild amounts of hair gel, and a penchant to hang out in dimly lit hotel bars.
The artistic side of AI is at least more fun if equally banal. The cartoon rendition of my dogs is very cute though it must be said that the one of me is far less flattering. I tried not to take it personally that the AI version of me was a dead ringer for the Cowardly Lion – obviously hungover and desperately in need of a shave. Just so you know, that’s not really the look I’m going for. Though to its credit – after some seriously aggressive cajoling – I did get AI to say that I did look somewhat like Brad Pitt. On a not-so-great day.
So as we navigate this onslaught of digital clutter, I gotta believe that our best refuge is anything with a healthy dose of soul – what someone once described to me as that which is “perfectly imperfect.” And on Wednesday, September 17th, we’re going to do our best to muster a little of that soul in a very Acme-fied way. We’re joining forces with Matt Licklider, co-founder of Lioco Wines, one of the trailblazing forces reimagining Northern California viticulture with spectacular place-driven wines that can unquestionably be described as soulful. And, well, damn delicious.
It’s a four course meal that will capture the flavors of September – when the leaves begin to change color and we transition from summer to fall. The great joy for the kitchen is that all of the Lioco wines are absolutely made to enjoy with food and especially the bold flavors that are hard-wired into all things Southern. And to a large degree, Lioco’s cult status among wine enthusiasts nationwide is built on that proclivity. The wines are surely dynamic on their own but shine brightest with the right meal. And the right friends.
The Acme Wine Experience with Matt Licklider and Lioco Wines. Wednesday, September 17th. Doors open at 6pm with the meal kicking off at 6:30. Tickets for the dinner are $75 (not including gratuity and tax). The menu is below. I’d love for you to join us. It’s going to be a great night. Go ahead. Just ask ChatGPT.
Remarkably, there are 4 tickets left for each of our Italian wine classes that we are holding at Atlas on the 7th (Puglia) and 14th (Tuscany) of September. Both classes will start @ 4pm. And, yes, there will be food just for the occasion. Tickets to the classes are $40 (not including gratuity and tax). We will explore and showcase the unique wines and culture that flourish in each region.
Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.
Cheers,
The Staff at Acme
