Cooking With Chef Gary

Chef Gary's DeJavu

2019-12-05T00:19:00.000-08:00

A Day Of Service

Chef Gary Williams Place In The EBook Of Life

One year has passed since the death of Chef Gary Williams.

Chef Gary was a friend to to all and he always reached out and helped those in need.

Let us take this day and the Holiday spirit to reach out and help someone, as he did.

R.I.P. Chef Gary Williams

2018-12-11T13:39:00.003-08:00

Chef Gary Williams owner of DeJavu Restaurant,

and Krewe of DeJavu

passed last Wednesday December 5, 2018.

Chef Gary, native of New Orleans was known

for his big heart and charismatic

personality.

His death has left friends and family

in shock and mourning.

If he could tell us anything now, he would say,

"laissez le bon temps rouler"

Let the Goodtimes Roll.

Chef Gary Williams was a self taught chef, but escalated to

the highest of highs with his method of

cooking Creole, Soulfood, Vegetarian, and Vegan foods.

The family has set up a GoFundMe Page to help

raise fund to cover funeral arrangements.

https://www.gofundme.com/friends-of-chef-gary-williams?fbclid=IwAR1al7Gc4eZHmrUJlRNkyG1hcKBq7-zxE8egz0KJMEj2WYUCUdLxqsGLxUc

Please go to the link and donate what you can.

Rondell Charles Williams is the person handling all his arrangements. Lets give a boost of Love to help the family at this time of need!

Funeral arrangements for Gary Williams is as follows

December 15, 2018

Greater Community Temple COGIC

5151 Winchester

Memphis, Tn 38118

10am

December 18, 2018

St.James Methodist church

1925 Ursuline Ave

New Orleans, La 70116

10am

For more videos and cooking demonstrations from

Chef Gary visit his youtube channel,

DeJavu Restaurant.

Let The Good Times Roll On The River

2018-08-09T17:57:00.002-07:00

Chef Gary Williams,' Krewe of DeJavu now has a second location

280 Island Dr. What he will be doing there is bringing the Creole Flavor he is famous for, to

The Memphis Sounds Lounge, The Krewe of DeJavu will be taking over the kitchen.

They will be bringing some of his Creole Specialties to the River,

Wednesday thru Sunday 6pm til 10 pm."Great Music, Great Food, makes a Great Marriage",

says Chef Gary Williams. The Memphis Sounds Venue is a spacious building, hosting three levels. Williams as Executive Chef of the Krewe will be over all Catering and Private Parties.

Krewe of DeJave just recently made the journey back to their Mothership location, "Lil" DeJavu,

936 Florida Memphis, TN 38106. The operating hours there are Monday thru Friday 11am-4pm

11am-5pm on Saturdays.

For now, " Let The Good Times Roll On The River ".

DeJavu Restaurant Is Now Krewe of DeJavu

2018-05-28T20:16:00.004-07:00

DeJavu Restaurant

is now,

Krewe of DeJavu.

We have returned to our

Original Location

936 Florida St

Memphis, Tn 38106

(901) 947-1003

Come enjoy, our cozy

Restaurant, while

having a Flashback

to our same great Food.

Click below to see our map location

Krewe of DeJavu Google Map Location

Same friendly service, same great food!!!

For Catering Call (702) 810-4307

Krewe Of DeJavu Slated To Open May 8

2018-05-01T15:26:00.001-07:00

Gary Williams closed DejaVu on South Main in December knowing that his days owning a restaurant were done. The bills were too much and he was behind on taxes; Uncle Sam was hot on his heels.

But that didn't mean he was leaving the restaurant business. He knew even then he was headed back to the little building on Florida Street where it all started in 2008, but that someone else would own it and worry about the money.

Pending one final inspection, Krewe of DejaVu will open this week at 936 Florida.

"I am tickled to be back on Florida," Williams said. 'It's new ownership. I'll be the executive chef. Martin Gill and Rondell Charles own it.

"But I'll be doing the Gary thing. It's my pictures on the walls and my food coming out of that kitchen."

Originally from New Orleans where he owned a restaurant with his family, Williams came to Memphis in 2008 after a few years in Las Vegas. He opened the tiny spot on Florida with fewer than 10 tables and folks waited in line to eat his po' boys, crawfish etouffée, filé gumbo and other Creole and Cajun favorites in addition to his vegetarian fare.

In 2013, he opened Downtown in a much larger spot, running both places for a while but eventually closing Florida. In December, it caught up to him.

The work took a toll on his health. He had two strokes in two years and was hospitalized for diabetes last year.

"My doctor told me I have to slow down, but that's hard for me to do. He said 'You either do it, or you'll be making gumbo in heaven,' " Williams said after he closed Downtown, which he did willingly but knowing he had no choice because of the back taxes.

More: A brew from a roux: Here's who's stirring up Memphis' best gumbo

Since then, he's continued to operate his DejaVu food truck, though in the past few weeks he's been working on getting the new place ready.

"But we'll be at Shelby Farms this weekend and when it opens we'll be back out at Levitt Shell," he said.

Right now, he's keyed up about Florida, starting it back up like it was 10 years ago.

"Chefs are artists," he said. "We create the food. It's better to let someone who knows more about it handle the money."

The restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It's still the small place it always was, but a patio is in the works and Williams noted there's a benefit to the cozy spot.

"The prices are doing to be lower than they were Downtown," he said. "Without that overhead, we can do it."
story by Jennifer Biggs

Vote Chef Gary and DeJavu Restaurant BEST OF MEMPHIS

2017-08-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Memphis Flyer's

BEST OF MEMPHIS 2017

Chef Gary Williams and DeJavu Restaurant are nominated for 4 Categories. We are excited about this. Please vote us in
Best Cajun/Creole
Best Homecooking/Soulfood
Best Vegetarian
Best Chef

http://thememphisflyer.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Memp

his…/

DeJavu Restaurant Menu

2016-12-01T15:35:00.001-08:00

Visit our website

http://www.dejavurestaurantmemphis.com/

DeJavu Presents Summer Salads

2016-06-22T13:41:00.003-07:00

DeJavu Presents Summer Salads

2016-06-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Signature Chefs Auction Spotlight: Gary Williams

2015-09-02T01:47:00.002-07:00

click here to learn more http://justmymemphis.com/signature-chefs-auction-spotlight-gary-williams/

We Are One Big Happy Family DeJAVU Restaurants Merge

2015-08-19T19:18:00.001-07:00

Thank You all for supporting DeJAVU thru the years. We have merged DeJAVU Restaurants, Lil DeJAVU and DeJAVU Downtown into one. We chose to close the Florida Location, which is where it all started.

Visit our Downtown Location for the same great New Orleans Cuisine you have come to love!

DeJAVU Restaurant is also available for Catering. 51 South Main Street (901) 505-0212

Chef Gary Williams stepped out on faith two years ago when he decided to open a downtown location. His son Rondell Williams, who is also a Chef, moved to Memphis in support and his dream has come to fruition.

Chef Williams has always said, "Its not for me, its for my family, they will be here, long after I am gone." Yes, indeed DeJAVU Restaurant is a family affair. Please continue to support and pray for the DeJAVU Family.

Memphis Yelpies Vote DeJavu Restaurants Best In Creole

2015-01-23T09:17:00.001-08:00

And The Award For Best Creole Restaurant is DeJavu Restaurant.

Chef Gary Williams accepts the award graciously. Its a little red emblem identical to the Yelp logo. The Best in Memphis was awarded the Yelpies. Along with DeJavu Restaurants, who served their famous New Orleans Bread Pudding and Pasta, there was Babalu, dishing out heaps of Guacumoule, Fuel Food Truck served up Vegetarian nachos which were to die for.

Chef Gary Mentors Mid-South Life Skills

2014-11-20T14:10:00.001-08:00

Youth from White Station High School and

Mid-South Life Skills, a mentoring program, joined DeJAVU for lunch. 14 students with the go ahead to order anything on the menu. They had plenty of questions, "are the wings good, are they hot, can I order all shrimp on the seafood platter, how is the catfish and what kind of catfish, what's honey roasted chicken?" Once the sweet teas, sprites and cokes were served, all you could hear was excited chatter.

What the teens did not know was the Chad Harris, the

organizer of the event, had a surprise for them.

Chef Gary Williams

the owner and founder of the

DeJavu Brand

would be speaking to them today.

Chef Gary came in and talked to the Youth while making Bananas Foster.

Downtown Dining Week With DeJAVU +39 Other Participating Restaurants

2014-11-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

Come in and enjoy Down Town Dining Week with DeJAVU is one of 40 Restaurants. We will start on Monday November 17, but all the other restaurants will be open and will start sunday November 16, 2014. Call (901) 505-0212 to book your reservation. Go to "http://www.downtowndiningweek.com" for more information

Downtown Dining Week Dinner Menu

Option 1

House Salad or Soup of the Day

Arkansas Outlaw

Bread Pudding or Peach Cobbler

Option 2

House Salad or Soup of the Day

Stuffed Pork Chop drizzled w/Roasted Garlic Demi Glaze

Bread Pudding or Peach Cobbler

Option 3

House Salad or Soup of the Day

Honey Roasted Chicken Breast on Veggie Rice

Bread Pudding or Peach Cobbler

Option 4 (Vegan Vegetarian)

Curry of BBQ Tofu w/ Veggie Rice and grilled Cabbage or

Stir Fry Veggies with Teriyaki tofu

Banana Nut or Carrot Raisin Bread

Chef Gary Williams Heals the Hood With A Taste Around The World

2014-10-20T16:17:00.001-07:00

Chef Gary Williams requests your presence for a Dinner and Silent Auction October 25, 2014 to benefit Heal the Hood Foundation, (HTH).

HTH purpose is to implement and find creative methods to provide educational, cultural, and social economic and community change in the City of Memphis and surrounding areas that are heavily populated by youth crime, violence and other social deviant patterns of behaviors thru multi-media science.

Others joining us in providing A Taste Around The World, is

Felicia Suzanne's
Evergreen Grille Marcus Dorris
Chef Ernest Dickson of St. Jude
Chef Micheal Patrick
Bardogs Affiliate The Slider Inn

The Cake Gallery Baketique

Others to be announced

DeJavu family and friends, I'm asking you to help, Chef Gary heal he hood by, buying a ticket. 50 Dollars per person, 500 Dollars for a table of ten. Tickets can be purchased at DeJavu Restaurant 51 S. Main St Memphis, Tn 38103 (901) 505-0212
Please share this event with your friends and family. #ATasteAroundTheWorld

When in Memphis, Have A DeJavu Experience

2014-07-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

We Are Getting Ready For Fathers Day, You're Invited

2014-06-10T19:49:00.001-07:00

DeJavu Restaurant Opens Downtown Location

2013-10-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

DeJavu Restaurant Celebrates the Opening of a second

location in Downtown Memphis. Chef Gary Williams owner,

has rolled the success of the small DeJavu location into a

fantasy duplicate, with many upgrades.

DeJavu Restaurant

is located at 51 S. Main Street.

Everyone that comes in that works or lives in the

downtown area, has commented on the fact that

DeJavu is the one thing that Downtown was missing.

The decor of DeJavu is filled with the art of Frank Robinson.

Mr. Robinson did some special artwork filled with a
New Orleans Theme.

As a part of the Grand Opening Week Chef Gary Williams

was a gracious host to many friends, family, local politicians,

and entertainers. Some of the guests were former

Mayor Willie Herenton, Julian Bolden, James Alexander,

Henry Turley, Steve Cohen, Myron Lowery.

Everything was perfect, the Jazz band played as hundreds

of guests lined up to taste the luxurious spread Chef Gary had

laid out. There was a blanket of Fruit, Crudites and Cheese.

Pasta Primavera, Portabella Mushroom Pasta, Catfish Strips,
Lemon Herb Chicken, A Roast Beef carving station, and petite cheesecakes are just a few items on display.
Also waitresses circulated platter with gator bites and
remoulade sauce.

Also, neighbor Donald O' Connor, unveiled a dance

extravaganza with his Watoto dancers. The young

dancers serenaded the crowd out front on Main Street. They

danced to the sounds of Stax, Earth, Wind and Fire and

the latest from Justin Timberlake.

As a final note, we would like to thank Brooke Thomas

of Fox 13 for coming down to update everyone about

the new items on our menu.

DEJAVU RESTAURANT WELCOMES YOU TO 2 RESTAURANTS

2013-09-09T08:41:00.001-07:00

September will be the month that DeJavu' Restaurant

makes history. Everyone is acquainted with the Dejavu Restaurant located at 936 Florida Street, but now there will be a second Dejavu Restaurant opening at 51 S. Main St. We have a target opening

date set for September 24, 2013. This date happens to coincide with the 5 year anniversary of DeJavu Restaurant #1.

Stay tuned to the Facebook page

Dejavu Authentic New Orleans Cuisine

for all the updates.

Also DeJavu Restaurant Downtown has a new facebook page

DeJavu Restaurant

Please go the page and hit the LIKE Button, to stay updated on

the opening of the new Restaurant.

DeJavu Restaurant Downtown Opening Soon

2013-07-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Lumabase 4Pc. Sky Lantern Set Outdoor (Google Affiliate Ad)

Chef Gary is excited about this new information.

It has gotten close to the date of opening

Dejavu Restaurant Downtown.

Don't worry DeJavu Restaurant on Florida Street will remain open. We have had a great time with all of our guests there and we want to keep the Goodtimes Rolling.

This is a dream that has been a long time coming, and the completion day is just a few weeks away.

We will be located at 51 S. Main, directly on

the trolley line.

Also all the wonderful food you have enjoyed at

Dejavu will continue to be served at the S. Main location.

Plus we have a few add-ons, such as beignets,

and the Famous New Orleans Hurricanes.

Thats right Dejavu will be selling Cocktails.

We will also we having extended hours,

11 a.m. til 10 p.m.

The Po-boy From Humble Beginnings

2013-07-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

Chef Gary Williams of DeJavu Restaurant in Memphis, TN has New Orleans Swag, and you love it. When the cameras caught up with him today he was busy smoothing with the Bishops of C.O.G.I.C., 'They're in town for Founders Day", he says with a casual glance. DeJavu is often the Restaurant of the Stars, but Chef Gary's humbleness is what everybody loves. Although he never went to Culinary School he has the Arts down pat.

DeJavu New Orleans Po-boy

7 inches french bread (long bread)
shredded lettuce
sliced tomatoes
zatarrains fish fry
handful shucked fresh oysters
handful peeled and deveined shrimp
mayo

Coat shrimp and oysters with Zatarrains and fry 3 to 4 minutes. Meanwhile slice long bread and dress with mayo on the inside of both slices. Now add lettuce then tomatoes; now your po-boy is dressed.

Next remove shrimp and oyster to bowl, then line up 1/2 side of the dressed slice with shrimp then the other half with oyster. Cover with remaining slice of long bread, and you have a DeJavu New Orleans Po-boy.

Check out the latest happening at DeJavu; watch The Po-boy From Humble Beginnings / Cooking With Chef Gary.

Darnell knows his way around a Po-boy

visit our website: DeJavu Restaurant

SISTERHOOD SHOWCASE

2013-06-04T10:14:00.002-07:00

DeJavu Restaurant's Chef Gary Williams was invited for the third year to be a guest Chef for the Sisterhood Showcase.

We always enjoy doing cooking demonstrations for the public, it not only gives us the opportunity to spread awareness in the community about healthy eating, but it also gives us a chance to let others know about whats going on with DeJavu Restaurant.

On Day One Chef D. went along with me and our cooking demonstration was Shrimp and Grits. Grits are a staple in the New Orleans kitchen, much like rice, it goes a long way. the Shrimp are prepared with onions peppers and seasoning then incorporated in a basic roux. For any of you that has not ever tried it, this simple dish is very delicious, and all the ingredients are readily available at DeJavu any time.

Day One was a complete success and we got a chance to see a quite a few friends, family, and church members we had not seen in a while.

Day 2 was a more serious day cause it was the day we chose to focus on healthy cooking and eating. Of course we eat fried foods sometimes but it is also good if you switch up from time to time and bake your fish or meat. Also I talked with our guests about cooking their vegetables just done, rather than cooking all the taste, color and nutrients out of them, by overcooking.

Our Cooking demonstration was Pasta. We made Pasta Primavera, Chicken Alfredo and Sun Dried Tomato and Portabello Mushroom Pasta. Instead of milk we use coconut milk with our cream pastas, and the Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is a vegetarian Pasta.

We has a great time and hope to see you again next year, and please remember we are opening a new location at 51 S. Main St. Memphis, Tennessee, we are hoping to be open by the end of July.

Mardi Gras in Memphis

2013-02-17T17:27:00.002-08:00

Lassez les bons temps rouler

We have had a wonderful time celebrating Mardi Gras 2013. DeJavu Restaurant was the featured Restaurant on Fox 13, Good Morning Memphis and we represented for the 504.
Down at the Restaurant we had plenty of Sausages, Gumbo, Red Beans and Free King Cake for everyone! We had the house special for Mardi Gras which was Smoked Turkey Necks served with boiled potatoes and corn. Wow it was a packed house until the doors closed. I want you to know that we appreciate all you guys coming by.

Our Sous Chef James Moore took a few days to go down to New Orleans to participate in the parade. ZULU!!!

FOR MORE PICTURES AND MARDI GRAS FUN VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

https://www.facebook.com/dejavumemphis

FOR ALL YOU THAT DD NOT KNOW I AM A MARDI GRAS BABY!!!

Happy New Year 2013

2013-01-27T08:15:00.002-08:00

2013 Happy New year, and whats new at DeJavu Restaurant. Hi Folks, this is Chef Gary, and I want to let you know whats been happening with us at the Vu.

First of all as you all know we are big on celebrating Mardi Gras. We gonna have lots of Red Beans and Rice, KingCake for everyone, and New Orleans Beads. Mardi Gras is February 12^th, Fat Tuesdays. Come on celebrate at the Vu, free KingCake for everyone, and we gonna have a great time.

This year we have been invited to be a guest on our local news Fox13, to talk about Mardi Gras. So set your DVR February 08. We will also be cooking Mardi Gras food, so look for myself and Chef James.

Now, great news, starting February 04, that’s a Monday, we will be open, from 11:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. Remember that will be each and every Monday and it gives us 6 days of the week that you can dine with us, have a great time, and enjoy some great food.

Also, we just got word that DeJavu Restaurant will be the feature for 4Memphis Magazine for the Month of February. So go to your newsstands and get your own copy. We fixed all your favorites and showcased it in grand style. You will be able to see a sneak peek come February 1, by visiting Memphis Magazine online http://4memphis.com/index.html

Finally, come May 1 you guys keep your ear open cause that is our target date to open a new Downtown location. 51 S. Main St. we going New Orleans style with the whole 9 yards. Everything that you have in your heart to symbolize New Orleans you will be able to get it at the new location. Food, drinks, entertainment and more. His has been a secret, but it’s steadily coming to light. We will be located on Main Street between Monroe and Union, right next to Flight.

We gonna be there DeJavu, where we keep it true to the Roux.

DeJavu To You... Let the Good Times Roll!

2012-12-04T16:52:00.002-08:00

DeJavu Food Truck

Check out our Menu

DeJavu Restaurant has a new addition to the Family; "DeJavu To You"our new Food Truck. Chef Gary Williams and the DeJavu family are excited to bring to you a mobile kitchen.

We have a cooking trailer now, and we can travel, we gonna do all the festivals and take her out on our Catering jobs. Let's have some fun, this thing is awesome, it’s completely outfitted for everything we need. We will still be serving all of the same things that we cook inside our kitchen at the restaurant. We want you to come on out; we are going to call it “DeJavu to You”.

Taking a tour around the Trailer you can see Bourbon Street and everything New Orleans. And you already know we are going to have the same great taste coming out of this kitchen. You guys are going to have a great time.

Now check this out, we got 504 in the house, the “Who Dat Nation”. Moving on along and looking at the other side of the trailer we got Canal Street. We want you to call us for all of your Catering needs, here in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as the Tri-State area. We will even come to Missouri, wherever we need to be. We are already having a goodtime, let walk on around. This guy did a great job on the paintjob. It’s rustic looking, its us. You see this art is musical instruments, DeJavu, the masks, as we say in New Orleans, “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler”, Let the GoodTimes Roll!

Cooking With Chef Gary

Chef Gary's DeJavu

A Day Of Service

R.I.P. Chef Gary Williams

Let The Good Times Roll On The River

DeJavu Restaurant Is Now Krewe of DeJavu

Krewe Of DeJavu Slated To Open May 8

Vote Chef Gary and DeJavu Restaurant BEST OF MEMPHIS

DeJavu Restaurant Menu

DeJavu Presents Summer Salads

DeJavu Presents Summer Salads

Signature Chefs Auction Spotlight: Gary Williams

We Are One Big Happy Family DeJAVU Restaurants Merge

Memphis Yelpies Vote DeJavu Restaurants Best In Creole

Chef Gary Mentors Mid-South Life Skills

Downtown Dining Week With DeJAVU +39 Other Participating Restaurants

Chef Gary Williams Heals the Hood With A Taste Around The World

When in Memphis, Have A DeJavu Experience

We Are Getting Ready For Fathers Day, You're Invited

DeJavu Restaurant Opens Downtown Location

DEJAVU RESTAURANT WELCOMES YOU TO 2 RESTAURANTS

DeJavu Restaurant Downtown Opening Soon

The Po-boy From Humble Beginnings

SISTERHOOD SHOWCASE

Mardi Gras in Memphis

Lassez les bons temps rouler

Happy New Year 2013

DeJavu To You... Let the Good Times Roll!

DeJavu Food Truck

Check out our Menu DeJavu Restaurant has a new addition to the Family; "DeJavu To You"our new Food Truck. Chef Gary Williams and the DeJavu family are excited to bring to you a mobile kitchen.

Check out our Menu

DeJavu Restaurant has a new addition to the Family; "DeJavu To You"our new Food Truck. Chef Gary Williams and the DeJavu family are excited to bring to you a mobile kitchen.