Greetings from Carrboro,
Having “L” right there in the name has never made sense. Because if ever there was a second fiddle, this is it. Or third fiddle, if there is such a thing. Like I’m sure that George Edward Smith was a great guitarist, sure. But to call the band Hall & George Edward Smith & Oates sort of overplays his hand a bit, don’t you think? And Bonnie & Clyde isn’t Bonnie & Joe Palmer & Clyde for a reason. Because we honor the truly important players – not just every person who happens to be in the room.
But somehow the BLT remains the “BLT.” I guess old habits die hard. And to think that the ever-crucial Duke’s mayonnaise doesn’t even get a mention, much less lead billing. Or avocados for that matter, if you prefer the new hipster, luxury edition. Though I must admit that BLMT and BLAT don’t roll off the tongue quite as well.
In all honesty, it’s really a tomato sandwich with, you know, stuff. Stack it however you like. With whatever you like. Go ahead and toast your bread; be bold. It’s going to be great. (To air a little family laundry; my mother did put cucumbers and Miracle Whip on hers. And I have to live with that.) But just make sure – make double sure – that you get a perfect tomato. That’s ground zero. It’s just not, not, not, not the same thing without it. Otherwise it’s like making a Tom Hanks movie but with some guy who kinda looks like Tom Hanks when you squint. And has a rather noticeable Slavic accent.
Lucky for all of us in the Paris of the Piedmont, tomato season is upon us. I always know that it’s tomato season when I’m deeply grateful for air-conditioning. And with the humid-fest we call July crawling into our lives on Saturday, that definitely means Acme’s 22nd Annual Tomato Festival is oh-so close. In truth, it’s a mere two weeks away. Mark your calendars: July 12-16. We call it our summertime Tomatocation. Sort of akin to the annual running of the bulls in Pamplona but, you know, in Carrboro and a wee smidge safer. And air-conditioning. It’s an unabashed swan dive into the deliciousness of the season with a full week of slicing and dicing, grilling and chilling, de-seeding and sous-vide-ing as many locally grown tomatoes as we can get our hands on. And we’d love for you to join us. Note: if tomatoes are not your thing, I’d probably skip that week.
There are still six (6) Independence Day Feasts available for everyone who wants a great holiday meal without the holiday hustle and bustle. Or the arduous shopping or cooking or, my fave, the dishes. Pick-up is Monday, July 3rd, 12pm-2pm. The feast feeds two people generously and costs $75. Menu is below. It’s going to be delicious. Thomas Jeferson was right; certain truths are self-evident.
Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.
Cheers,
The Staff at Acme