Member profile: Louisiana Flair

New Orleans flair spices up downtown

322 East Grace Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Web site: louisianaflair.com

Nathanial Sams’ dream of owning his own restaurant has come true and downtown Richmond is the benefactor of that dream. Be it red beans and rice or shrimp creole, Sams and his crew know their stuff as evidenced by the crowd that gather at Louisiana Flair — located at the corner of East Grace and 3rd streets.

We have been accepted very well,” Sams modestly said as patrons unabashedly rave about the food and friendly customer service. The menu ranges from crawfish ettoffee to shrimp and chicken Decatur. Friday’s special includes fried catfish, greens, jambalaya and baked cornbread. Favorites such as a fried oyster poboy and meatloaf with brown gravy, are some of the daily specials.

Sams gumbo recipe was handed down by his paternal grandmother, having been served by his family for more than 85 years. All the seafood is right out of the ocean with soft shell crabs on the menu every day. Wednesday coffee breaks are special for downtowners as Sams serves freshly made beignets from 7-10:30 a.m. with most folks grabbing several to take back to work.

Many patrons have included people from Louisiana. “They came to validate us and see if we are authentic,” Sams said. That validation has already crossed over many state lines as diners usually find the restaurant full during lunch with staff members hustling and the aroma of Louisiana spices flooding the air.

For quite a while downtown Richmond has boasted eateries that satisfy a diverse collection of palates and now a Louisiana touch is added to that family.

Louisiana Flair is an example of a locally owned restaurant that is much more than “a business” to the owners. It’s a dream come true for Sams and one that he cares about with heart and soul.

For daily specials or information on catering, call Sams at (804) 303-5457.