From O Magazine to Paula Dean’s show, people are taking notice of Alcenia’s restaurant owner, B.J. Chester-Tamayo. Soon, the Memphian will be in the spotlight on a national cooking competition. It’s local good news.
“I have love. And, that’s the rule to cooking — love,” said Alcenia’s Restaurant Owner B. J. Chester-Tamayo.
We first introduced you to B.J. Chester-Tamayo back in June. She owns Alcenia’s Restaurant on North Main Street in downtown Memphis.
“I looked at the U.S. Yum’s, our favorite food find in the 50 states. I opened it up. I’m like okay. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, T – Tennessee and like bam – Alcenia’s. I’m like girl,” said Chester-Tamayo.
O Magazine had just listed her as one of the best favorite food finds in Tennessee.
“Once you come through that door and after you leave their baby, we family now,” said Chester-Tamayo.
She’s known for her greeting when you walk through her eatery’s doors. You’re always met with a hug and a kiss.
“My motto is at Alcenia’s is I feed your heart, your head. I sure got your stomach baby, because if I can make your heart and head feel better, I got the rest of it,” said Chester-Tamayo.
But, does she have what it takes to become a “Chopped” Champion? This Memphis restaurant owner will soon be competing on the national show in December.
“You better ask me about GOD. You better ask me about GOD,” said Chester-Tamayo. “I’m like me, a little girl from Meridian, Mississippi, that never even cooked growing up, Katina.”
We’re rooting for the Mississippi-born girl turned Memphis restaurant owner. We’ll keep you posted on how she does in the competition next month. It’s local good news.
