ALCENIA'S
Memphis, Tennessee
901-523-0200

THE OWNER MAKES ALCENIA'S OF MEMPHIS A TRULY SPECIAL PLACE

Located in the historic Pinch District of downtown Memphis, Alcenia’s Dessert and Preserves Shop first opened for business in 1997. It was originally intended to be a sweet house but soon evolved into a full-fledged soul food eatery. Owner B.J. Chester Tamayo founded the restaurant - naming it after both her mother and her grandchild. B.J. (also my mom’s name – Betty Jane) hails from Meridian, Mississippi (where I once lived) – maybe that’s why we love Tamayo so much. This particular B.J. stands for Betty Joyce.

Alcenia’s restaurant is situated between the massive Cook Convention Center and the landmark Pyramid Arena, so celebrities frequently stop in for a good home cooked meal and a warm bear-hug (from Tamayo) that is powerful enough to melt the most frosty soul. Visitors of note have included Blues musician Charlie Musslewhite, Little House actress Melissa Gilbert, and Keith Farmer of the reality TV show, “Survivor.”

The interior décor at Alcenia’s is very bright and homey. Tamayo jokingly labels the look “Ghetto Chic.” B.J. serves only the freshest foods, made to order. This is not fast food folks … you’ll need to slow yourself down a bit to truly enjoy the Alcenia’s experience. Things don’t always run like clockwork here and that is part of the charm.

The most popular items on the menu include fried catfish, fried chicken, pork chops, fried green tomatoes and B.J.’s not-to-be-missed hot water cornbread. The meat loaf at Alcenia’s is just heavenly. It has a rich, savory taste and is topped with a bright red sauce that is mighty flavorful. The greens here are slow cooked with smoked turkey (a healthy alternative to ham hocks). Just like a mom … always thinking about our health and well being!

Tamayo is well known around Memphis for serving up Kool-Aid with her meals. She serves virtually all the food and drink offerings in Tupperware-style cups and dishes. Again, a nice touch of home and yesteryear. And the desserts … well, let’s start with an incredible bread pudding (our favorite), sweet potato pie or peach cobbler, and, when B.J.’s 84-year old mom Alcenia comes in to help, they serve delicate and delicious Tea Cakes. Only somebody’s mother can make ‘em like this!

Alcenia’s Dessert and Preserves Shop is located at 317 North Main Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Call B.J. at 901-523-0200. Restaurant hours are from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. B.J. will stay open later for special events nearby and opens Saturday mornings from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a soulful breakfast session. Sure, the food is pretty darn good, but the true star here is owner B.J. Chester Tamayo. Her warm smile, bubbly personality, and bountiful hugs set the tone for a unique and memorable meal.

Stop by Alcenia’s on your next trip to Memphis.

And be prepared to answer the question: “How you doing, baby?”

Alcenia’s Corn

• 1 or 2 teaspoons butter
• ½ bell pepper, green
• ½ bell pepper, red
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ¼ envelope Lipton Onion Soup mix
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 16 oz. can whole yellow corn, drain, save liquid
• Dash pimento

-- Melt butter, sauté all green and red bell peppers, and celery.

-- Add corn. In a bowl, mix together flour, onion soup mix and the liquid from the can of corn.

-- If the mixture becomes too pasty, add water to thin.

-- Pour into pan with corn and vegetables.

-- Reduce heat and simmer until ready.

(Recipe by permission of Alcenia’s Dessert and Preserves Shop, Memphis, Tennessee.)

Featured Restaurant Archive >>

^Top^