BY CAROLYN ONOFREY
Bond Street
NoHo
This two block street, put on the map in the early 17th century was originally home to many of New York’s wealthy. The area was so popular in fact, that a bus was created to bring residents from Bond Street to their jobs downtown on Wall Street. The 1857 murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell took place on 31 Bond Street – a famed case where his wife, Emma Cunningham is said to have strangled and stabbed him at least 15 times. Though the case still remains unsolved Emma Cunningham will go down in history as the one suspected of this brutal, and famous murder. Today, Bond Street boasts only a few of its original Greek revival homes strewn in between luxury townhouses and lofts. Despite the seemingly dismal Bond Street economy with more empty store fronts than full, a few delectable restaurants whose menus you’ll want to save for a special occasion have weathered the recession.
6 Bond Street – Bondst
Come to Bondst for fresh sushi and refreshing tastes. This NoHo landmark can’t be denied its stellar sushi and 10 course tasting menu or its staying power for that matter, but is also known for the hefty price tag and sometimes stuffy atmosphere. If sophisticated sushi is your bag, then Bondst it is. *If you’re visiting Florida, check out Bondst on South Beach!
Tucked away downstairs - The Smile
26 Bond Street – The Smile
Uber trendy (maybe too much so for its own good), The Smile delivers American bites reminiscent of a home cooked meal, that is – if your mother was Chef Melia Marden.
Some say The Smile tries too hard to be the low-key hang out it is, but others are content as they hide-out in the corner noshing on dishes that’ll make you smile – even if the staff won’t smile back.
Tuna tartar with pork rinds and yucca fries @ Mercat
45 Bond Street – Mercat
It’s hard to upstage Il Buco next door, but Mercat holds its own with well thought out Catalan tapas and an ‘all Spanish, all the time’ mind-set. The transporting white tile of the open kitchen sets the mood, and the tapas complete the experience. Dishes can be on the pricey side, but worth it for a special occasion. *Try the tuna tartar with pork rinds and yucca fries.
Cozy at Il Buco – Photo courtesy of Il Buco
47 Bond Street – Il Buco
Il Buco keeps diners coming back for more with its delectable Italian-Spanish fare. It’s easy to guarantee that a meal at Il Buco will linger in your thoughts and taste buds for as long as it takes to come back again. *Start with the kale and end with the panna cotta!
55 Bond Street – Hung Ry
Bond Street is one of the only places where Chinese food and organic (at least in NYC), seem the norm. Their tasty hand pulled noodles and pledge for all things local bring a new standard and unconventional twist to the art of hand-pulled noodles. The prices certainly aren’t Chinatown, but neither is their mantra.
