Bond St. Beverly Hills

04/09/09

Maybe not for lunch

by greenpaz at Citysearch

We came here for a late lunch (1:30 or so) recently, and the place was only about half-full. Nonetheless, the hostess told us she only had one menu for us to share. Much later, while we were waiting for our waiter to notice us, she came back with another one. The waiter did finally notice us, came by to say he’d be right with us, but didn’t return to take our order for several minutes. Such slow service is odd considering most restaurants understand that weekday lunches need to move along quickly. (Strangely, we saw the occasional employee walking quickly by, with nothing in their hands, looking rushed, and then returning in the same rushed manner, also with nothing in their hands.) After waiting a while, my wife saw that the manager was walking by and checked her watch with a somewhat dramatic but very sincere look of exasperation. Miraculously, the food materialized soon after, but way later than it should have. (It also took the waiter way too long to proffer the bill after we’d asked for it.) It turns out there was a party of 20 somewhere else in the restaurant – at least, that was the explanation we got from one of the busboys, who apologized for the slowness of service. Oh, also, the fire alarm went off toward the end of our meal. No explanation was offered.

Party of 20 or not, it’s hard to explain a lot of the delays (it was a sushi restaurant – most of the food we ordered needed to be prepared, but not cooked), particularly the valet parking – another interminable wait while they brought our car up, though no other patrons were around. The sushi was decent but not extraordinary. Perhaps dinners are better, but the next time I want a sushi lunch, I’m heading elsewhere.

• Pros: Nice interiors, great light
• Cons: Terrible service

02/10/09

Nice atmosphere

by merchantglobal at Citysearch

Ok a restaurant shouldnt need to pump up its own reviews on this site and others, having said that, the place is posh. There is a nice rooftop bar with views of glittering LA, and reasonably priced small plates and appetizers. Cabanas are available with bottle service, but you don't need one to get in. I'd recommend this as a good date spot, not too crowded, and nice atmosphere.

01/11/09

Best Sushi in La!

by Katies23 at Citysearch

"I went to the newly vamped Bond Street last night and couldn't have been more impressed, in fact as a someone who makes a concentrated effort to try every sushi joint in town, I REALLY couldn't have been more impressed. The food and service were beyond the pale, fantastic, wonderful -- My boyfriend and I wanted to stop in for a few dishes before a party in the neighborhood and couldn't leave. It was a true delight for all the senses, and would highly HIGHLY go beyond recommending it and push my fellow Angelinos through the door. Our server, Jay P, so charming, on his game, and nice help me, with my many food allergies navigate the menu and allowed me to have a side order of what I believe will turn into a city famous spicy tuna. We recognized a flavor palette from the yellowtail restaurant in the Bellagio in Vegas and when we asked our server, the new executive chef came out and greeted us. He, too, was incredibly charming, so down to earth, not to mention he created delicate and fun sushi that you just don't see on the LA seen. From Katsuya to Nobu, this place is like no other. It combines small bites, with great roles and intresting sashimi dishes. This is just a new brand of sushi, and it is worth a try. The manager also greeted our table, was incredibly cordial and welcoming. The chef sent over farmer's marker fresh sorbet on the house and beautiful melt in your mouth bon bons that he was trying for the sushi house. We are continually in shock and awe, laughing, as each dish was more delicate and beautiful than the last. Even more incredible was the service: In a city where you often hear "no substitutions" or an unwillingness to accommodate those with food allergies, this super chic high-end establishment could not have been more accommodating.

My prediction to the manager was that this place with this new commitment to service, presentation, and food, will be jammed by the end of the month. I just hope I can get a seat!"

• Pros: Food, Service, Presentation
• Cons: I am Addicted to the Spicy Tuna