Alcenia's to be featured on NBC's 'Today with Hoda & Jenna'

B.J. Chester-Tamayo makes one delicious buttermilk pie.

On June 11, the charismatic owner of Alcenia's will show the world how to make her mother's one-of-a-kind version of this Southern classic on NBC's "Today with Hoda & Jenna."

She will cook with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager via Zoom on the "Hoda & Jenna" hour of the national morning show.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chester-Tamayo has been in the kitchen. In addition to offering takeout of her famous soul food, she has been cooking for her new online store.

Items like her buttermilk pie and bread pudding can now be shipped nationwide; so can her pecan pie and sweet potato pie. The shop also includes handmade preserves like apple butter, pickle tomato preserves and "Cha-cha" (her version of chow chow).

IN THE KITCHEN:Meet B.J. Chester-Tamayo of Alcenia's

"Every item available for shipping is made using my mom's recipe," Chester-Tamayo said. "I honestly believe I'd be out of business if it wasn't for her and her recipes. I say thank you to her every day."

Chester-Tamayo's two cookbooks are also available from the online store for those  who want to try to replicate her dishes at home. Aprons and T-shirts are also offered.

The only thing you can't order is the big hug she gives every customer who comes in her Downtown Memphis restaurant — something she will be happy to give for free once the pandemic is over.

Persistence got her a spot on "Today."

"Jenna interviewed me for my very first cookbook," Chester-Tamayo said. 

Chester-Tamayo has been emailing Hager and Kotb over the past couple of months asking for their help.

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"I have a great business and I don't want to close," she said. "Letting people know about my products online will help me stay in business."

Next Tuesday she will record the segment that will air on June 11.

All 13 items on the online store at alcenias.com are available for shipping nationwide. Alcenia's full menu is available for curbside pickup while its dining room remains closed.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.