A new Italian steak and seafood restaurant opens up in Maryland’s National Harbor.
By Katie Test
Bond 45 reminds me of going to Grandma’s house. (That is, if my Grandma’s house were really a 275 seat restaurant at National Harbor…) I left Bond 45 stuffed to the gills, and loved every minute of it – the food does not stop, bread, more bread, different bread, polenta, cookies, champagne, all gifts of the kitchen. It’s like Shelly Fireman of the Fireman Hospitality Group wants to make sure you don’t eat again for a month.
Bond 45, a New York Italian Steak & Seafood House, opened its second location (first being in New York City) last week along our very own Potomac. With a menu that reads like an ode to steak, pasta and fish, Bond 45 is sure to satisfy. Executive Chef Daniele Turchetti of Bond 45 in New York and Brando d’Oliveira, Culinary Director for the Fireman Hospitality Group, oversee the menu at Bond 45, National Harbor. In addition, Mama Perla Inguscio, Fireman’s personal chef at his Tuscan home, adds in her little special Italian touches. And you can see them – the polenta is divine, laced with crunches of fresh corn kernels. The antipasti is spot on, the Mozzarella and Burrata cheese are savory, creamy and fresh. The salumi is spicy, with a perfect texture. Bond 45’s steaks are available in two varieties – 28-day dry-aged prime or organic grass-fed choice. Many are available family-style for two, three, or four people. And to finish the meal, waiters bring out duel buckets of crème fraiche and chocolate mousse: a must-have dessert.
I recommend the restaurant for private dining – Bond 45 at National Harbor has a lovely Chef’s Table in a glass conservatory that will seat 12 and offers glowing views of the Potomac and Marina below. Three additional windowed conservatories along the water-facing part of the restaurant accommodate up to 28 people and the wine room can seat another 30 diners. In the summer I’m looking forward to Bond 45’s patio, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a glass of wine.
Bond 45, located at 149 Waterfront Street in National Harbor, Maryland, will be open for dinner daily from 4:00pm to 11:00pm. The restaurant will open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday about a month after opening.
