Surely you remember when he had Richard’s in Hyde Park. He followed that venture with Richard’s Café Vicino near the Boise Co-op, a popular neighborhood spot where he garnered accolades from the James Beard Foundation for his use of local food and ingredient-driven cuisine. Langston was a 2014 semifinalist for a prestigious award in the Best Chef: Northwest category.

Even though Langston felt at home in the tree-lined North End, he always had his eye on a larger, hipper spot in the bustling Downtown area.

His culinary dreams came to fruition last month when he debuted Richard’s (without the Café Vicino part of the name) at the Inn at 500 Capitol, a newly constructed boutique hotel next to The Flicks movie theater.

Richard’s recent incarnation has an elegant, upscale vibe, yet it remains casual by design. For instance, you won’t find any white linen on the tables, and the knowledgeable black-clad servers are quick to strike up conversation about any topic (save politics and religion, of course).

The décor, with its raisin and cream-colored hues, has a big-city feel. The windows that face Myrtle Street help bathe the marble-topped bar and dining room in natural light. Long wine barrel staves seemingly hang in the air in front of the partially exposed kitchen, where cooks in crisp, white chef coats work the hot line.

Langston is known for sourcing locally produced food for his seasonal menus, which primarily focus on impeccably prepared regional Italian fare. Inspiration also comes from Spain, North Africa and other parts of the western Mediterranean.