Bond 45, the once-popular Italian eatery of the theatre community, is set to re-open in its new home in the heart of the theater district. Shelly Fireman, CEO of The Fireman Hospitality Group announced the restaurant’s new location at 241 West 46th Street. Nestled between the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and the Edison Hotel, the restaurant’s new two-story, 7,800-square-foot space will seat 268 guests and feature design by Tony Award nominated scenic designer David Korins (Hamilton) in collaboration with Shelly Fireman, with lighting design by Tony Award winner Donald Holder (The Lion King). Executive Chef Brando De Oliveira, a native of Bologna, promises the usual distinguished menu of exceptional Italian dishes that have always been associated with Bond 45.
“We look forward to opening Bond 45’s new beautiful and unique two-floor design (elevator available), which will feel like home to its longtime guests, while also offering many new and exciting features, dishes and environments fit for every palate,” Korins said. “Whether you’re seeking an all-day breakfast menu, a lively gathering spot for friends over a lunch or dinner of delicious pasta, salads or other entrees, or a quiet fireplace nook for a glass of red wine after a show.”
The second level, will feature a bar called the Bond Bar Below. Seating 160 and featuring three distinct areas to dine and drink, this area is inspired by the environment near Shelly’s home in Camaiore, Italy. “The room features a hand-carved wood bar set amidst exposed original stone walls and two fireplace alcoves featuring built-in couch seating. A sunken-patio dining area centers the space, below a starfield light installation and flanked by state-of-the-art video screens displaying real-time Italian coast sunrises and sunsets. Additionally, there is a private party space called “The Villa” for 70 guests that features a full bar and state-of-the art audio/video capabilities.”
The restaurant first opened in 2005 at 154 W. 45th Street, the site of the historic Bond Clothing Store (1948-1977). For a decade, it catered to the theatre elite and cognoscenti, as well as those looking for a great place dine before a show. In its new location, Bond 45 will be in the thick of the theatre district with such Broadway hits as Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theater, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, and the upcoming Jimmy Buffet musical Escape to Margaritaville at the Marquis Theater, as neighbors.
“It was a dark day on Broadway when Bond 45 went away. I loved that place so much that I made sure that Anjelica Huston threw her first drink at Michael Cristofer in the “Smash” pilot there. Now that it’s coming back, I want my favorite booth back again. And I’m already jonesing for their vegetable antipasto, pizzas, and of course the chocolate peanut brittle… So good.” Says Tony-winning director Michael Mayer.
Bond 45 is now accepting reservations and will re-open its doors on September 25, 2017.
Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals and maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com