Greetings from Carrboro,
It was right off the highway. And for whatever reason, we only ever bought what I assumed must have been their raison d’etre, banana milkshakes. The Darie Dream building was small with simple, cement block construction. Under a yellow awning, a sliding glass window served as both where orders were placed and where that same order was ultimately handed to you by the teenaged attendant wearing a crisp paper cap. Customers waited in their cars with the windows open so that they could hear when their name was called.
In the summer, we’d stop on the way to my grandparents’ home in South Carolina. I was the youngest by a mile so I don’t know why or when the tradition started but was nonetheless very happy to participate. Traditions can be like that – part of familial lore yet small and inconsequential to anyone not wed to the ritual. I’m sure that the Darie Dream has long been shuttered. And those high school attendants are probably retired now. But I clearly remember drinking those milkshakes as we made our way south and the sweet smell of the roadside stand peaches that filled the car, the basket nestled carefully in the back of the car.
I guess that it’s fair to say that after 23 years the Acme Tomato Festival has become a genuine tradition. Yes, the items we cook change a little year after year, the kitchen’s fascination with this flavor or that spilling onto the menu. But the heart of the festival remains the same – the magic of summer. Despite the heat. Despite the humidity. It’s a celebration of the bounty that religiously fills our farmers’ markets this time of year and the rich heritage of great southern food that the bounty affords. And it’s about all of you, this great community that has joined us these many summers. Every single year I fear that I’ve bought too many tomatoes and then as the weekend comes to a close, I fear that I haven’t bought enough. Four hundred pounds of tomatoes feels like an awful, awful lot – until it isn’t. It seems a certain anxiety is part of the tradition, too.
So, I’m hoping that you’ll help dwindle my rather hefty supply. Starting tonight and through Sunday, we’re all in. Carrboro becomes Tomatoville, USA. And Acme, its town square. The slicing and dicing, stewing and oohing are already in full swing in the kitchen. And has been for days. The bar, too, is ginning up for some serious tomato tipples for those so inclined. Basically, it’s going to be a delicious weekend at the restaurant. Because that’s always been our tradition. And whether this is your first festival or your 23rd, we’d love for you to make it one of yours.
The Tomato Festival Tuesday Supper Club (7/16) sold out very quickly. Entirely too quickly for many. So, to assuage any and all disappointment, we are going to have an additional and identical Supper Club the following Tuesday, July 23rd. Tickets are $45. The dinner will start at 6:30 with doors at 6:00. Menu is below. And, yes, the whole worm and early bird idea applies here. Consider yourself warned.
Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.
Cheers,
The Staff at Acme