Greetings from Carrboro,
I always got the hump. As I was clearly the youngest of 3 kids, there was no use in arguing who sat in the middle. Speeding south on 95 in my mom’s Buick, we’d all play the alphabet game or we’d read; anything to pass the time. My father drove and my mother would knit, occasionally having to tune the radio to my brother and sister’s wants as stations came and went as we drove hour after hour, across the whole of South Carolina and then Georgia. But seeing that first true palm tree on the second day always caused a rush. Florida. And this time we were going to Disney World.
The excitement was definitely intense for all of us. It was getting dark when we first saw signs for Orlando. Once off the highway, my father offered a prize to whoever saw Cinderella’s Castle first. Not knowing where we were, each of us looked in all directions, scanning the treetops. Being stuck in the middle meant that I could truly only see out the front window. Still, it felt thrilling. I think my sister saw it first, glowing in the distance. We’d finally made it.
Spring offers that same magical feeling of anticipation. Those early harbingers, like that first palm tree, offer promise. But they only tease us of what is to come. Yes, I love arugula. But sorry, it’s no Disney World. But it’s May now and I must say that this week we got a good bit closer to the promised land. Strawberries, squash, asparagus, blueberries, sweet basil, beets, and little tomatoes. More soft shell crabs. I’d have to say that for me, my Disney World moment will be that first, honest-to-god tomato sandwich. And I’m sure that you have your own, be it that first peach or watermelon or that first bite of buttery corn-on-the-cob.
It’s said that anticipation is the sweetest sauce. And I’d have to wholeheartedly agree. We haven’t reached Cinderella’s Castle yet – but it’s close.
This weekend at Acme: Shooting Point oysters on the half-shell. Braised beef short ribs with squash & basil casserole. Mississippi-style tamales. Blueberry cobbler a la mode. Acme calamari salad. Forever roasted pig. Southern tomato pie. Scallop, mint, & spring pea risotto. Pecan-crusted fried chicken. Strawberry shortcake. Acme wedge salad. Blackened salmon. Filet mignon. Watermelon sangria. Acme cornbread. Soft shell crabs. Pork tomahawks with corn pudding and sweet onion & rhubarb jam. And a beautiful patio just for you.
Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.
Cheers,
The Staff at Acme