BOND at the Langham Hotel (250 Franklin Street, Boston, 617.451.1900) is the latest incarnation of hotel bar chic: the
seats are plush, the colors are rich, and the vibe is retroglam meets modernday lounge. The seemingly milehigh
ceilings, luxe red barstools set against a 12foottall mirrored bar backdrop,and original glistening chandeliers add a sense of subdued
opulence to the former home of the Federal Reserve Bank. And the drinks? They pay homage to the building’s moneylending
roots. Sip the Sawbuck Martini (pearflavored Grey Goose, fresh lime juice, ginger, and basil) or a quarter martini (tequila,
pomegranate juice, lime juice, and chili flakes). But don’t expect to pay face value for them; BOND cocktails average between $12
and $14. Or you could really stimulate the economy by booking the private mezzaninelevel Dom Perignon lounge for you and up
to 18 of your slightly selfimportant, champagnesipping friends. Its juxtaposition of approachability (the lunch menu lists jumbo
Kobe beef hot dogs) against an air of utter sophistication (see abovementioned bubbly lounge) means BOND can take the
Financial District from a neighborhood known for beers with the Yah Dude crowd to a destination for the seeandbeseen
set.
