Reason to Love Memphis #30 - Macaroni is a Vegetable

Reason to Love Memphis #30 - Macaroni is a Vegetable

Southern people are big fans of the meal known as the "meat and three".  A typical meat and three includes some kind of meat (think fried chicken or catfish, maybe turkey and dressing) and three vegetables of your choice on the side. Usually, the vegetables are distinctly Southern - fried okra, slaw, green beans seasoned with salt pork, and fried green tomatoes are usually on the list.

But in Memphis, there seem to be a few items on the vegetable list that aren't quite like the others. Mostly, I'm talking about macaroni and cheese.

Meat and two from Alcenias, Memphis, Tenn.

You see that? It's my meat (fried catfish) and two vegetables from Alcenia's on North Main. Yes, one of those vegetables is macaroni and cheese. Yum!

Alcenia's is a tiny, colorful soul food joint that serves a daily rotation of home-cooked meats and vegetables. They've got brunch on Sunday, too. Alcenia's also serves a beverage called Ghetto Aid that's a super sweet mashup of three different Kool-Aid flavors that makes Ching's Orange Mound Punch seem logically sweetened.

Mmmm, Ghetto-Aid!

The food at Alcenia's is incredible - the green beans were perfectly seasoned, the macaroni was gloriously cheesy, and the catfish was very lightly breaded. The service was insanely affectionate - at one point, the owner, B.J. Chester-Tomayo, came over and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the head. Aww!

You can get your Alcenia's fix daily at their downtown restaurant, or during the summer at the downtown farmer's market.

Alcenia's Desserts & Preserves from BackBeat on Vimeo.

Go There:

Alcenia's

317 North Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103

Alcenia's on Urbanspoon

Comments Make Us Happy

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Jen
I've always wondered about this place but never been. Do they take plastic?
February 25, 2010 4:22pm
Kerry (admin)
They do indeed.
February 25, 2010 5:23pm
Morning Coffee…
[...] Finally, this morning I off you some dietary advice…yes, Macaroni and Cheese is a vegetable! [...]
February 26, 2010 8:37am
southernbelle
I love Alcenia's and I love BJ! She has the best home cooking in Memphis. She's always ready with a hug and a kiss for you. Super sweet lady.
February 26, 2010 8:46am
Maureen Spain
Alcenia's is INCREDIBLE. go there. but be prepared to sit for awhile, b/c they make everything to order. they do carry-out, so you can call ahead.
February 26, 2010 11:55am
BackBeat &#821…
[...] more at ilovememphisblog.com. var [...]
April 15, 2010 2:52pm
Marinel
I want to know how to get her cook book on the Today show. I have searched borders and amazon. HELP!!!!! Please let me know. I loved the piece and want the ability to help heal souls here in MS.
May 13, 2011 11:05am