Bond | Langham Hotel

The Financial District's former branch of the Federal Reserve Bank houses posh restaurant & cocktail lounge: Bond, where extravagant chandeliers twinkle from high ceilings, recessed walls frame vertical US Savings Bonds and the illuminated semi-circular bar is flanked by granite balconies. A tasting to unveil their new spring menu featured well crafted cocktails, appetizers focused on small bites for sharing and desserts mostly worthy of indulging. 

Settling comfortably into taupe and brown leather booths, circular chairs and tufted square stools, the grand luxury of the space captivates as a jazz duo plays in the background. Homemade chips and a creamy shallot dip awaited at the tables and a waitress greets us shortly to take drink orders. Combining two of my favorite spirits The Treasury ($15) blends Aperol (longtime love) and Crème de Violette (new obsession) with Grey Goose L'Orange and Peychaud bitters. This cocktail possesses a unique depth that incidentally has more of a "one time only" appeal. The flavors seemed to clash more than they meshed! The marriage of gin and peas in The Appraisal ($15) results in a martini with a pretty green hue and a fresh springtime essence. St Germain and brown sugar add body and sweetness. Who knew peas in cocktails was actually a thing? I certainly did not but trust me on this one, it works.

The first dish to arrive are the Vietnamese Spring Rolls - a refreshing, pop-able bite containing shrimp, chicken, cilantro and a spicy peanut sauce. Peanuts sprinkled on top add a terrific texture. These ended up being one of my favorites! The Sweet Soy and Ginger Chicken Wings and the Crispy Judith Point Calamari round out the top 3. The former served with candied ginger slices are an absolute delight to consume, drumettes being the more graceful and sophisticated way to devour chicken wings. The calamari are livened up with sweet chili, black sesame and cilantro. 

Indeed there are more worthy choices that would be hard to pass up like the Lobster and Chorizo Quesadillas with queso blanco and sweet corn and the Flat Bread Pizza highlighting Great Hill Blue cheese topped with  grilled stone fruit, pancetta and arugula. Finally, the Stracchino Cheese and Heirloom Tomatoes in virgin olive oil and balsamic are particularly intriguing, the tomatoes are actually stuffed with the soft, squishy cheese which is creamy and mild, similar to mozzarella. 

Of the three desserts I was all about the Strawberry Rhubarb Gratin pairing a fluffy mascarpone mousse with mint and black pepper sable. The Sticky Toffee Pudding was also excellent, you can't go wrong with individual cake servings topped with brown butter ice cream and Bookers Whiskey Caramel. The Chocolate Tasting was less successful, both the smoked chocolate cake and white chocolate brulee were unremarkable and while the milk chocolate powder was fun and playful it didn't necessarily stand out. The only thing I kept going back for was the Guanaja Chocolate ice cream. That on its own is good stuff.

I had been hoping to return to Bond ever since my first visit (see the blog post here). This was just the type of experience I was seeking; kicking back after a day of work and relaxing with good cocktails and friends. 

The Langham Hotel

250 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

this tasting was complimentary, all opinions are my own