B.J. Chester-Tamayo is a native of Meridian.

    Her restaurant, Alcenia’s, located close to the pyramid in Memphis, Tenn., has been featured in several newspapers, magazines and television programs.

    With her cookbook, “Alcenia’s: Healing the Soul” becoming available, she is now scheduled for an appearance on NBC’s Today show tentatively on May 13.

    Chester-Tamayo says there’s never been another cookbook like hers, as she chronicles the loss of her only son, and how she worked to overcome that heartache.

    The name of the restaurant, Alcenia’s, is shared not only with her mother, but her granddaughter.

    The restaurant is located at 317 N. Main St., Memphis, Tenn. It is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The new cookbook can be ordered through the website at alcenias.com. Also visit the website to check out her daily menus.