That's money

BOND just opened in the Federal Reserve Bank at the Langham. They like to spell its name in all capital letters, and I am humoring them (for now). According to a press release, "BOND's mission is to resurrect glamorous cocktailing from years past." As you can see, the design is opulent, reflecting banks of the past rather than the present. Big Money dominates the room, literally -- look at the artwork on the walls. It's giant, blown-up representations of bills.

The place might be fun for an evening of escapism. What troubled economy? It doesn't feel like it particularly has its finger on the pulse of the now, but maybe people could use a little of that. What do you think? Outmoded, or a welcome avoidance of reality?

In light of Locke-Ober's closing for lunch, today Globe staffer Andrew Ryan wrote this musing on whether the power lunch is dead. It's a nice read. It also mentions Bond (and does not humor their love of all caps).

"The target audience is business people in search of a quick, upscale lunch -- hand-cut, crisp fried fingerling russet potato chips; dim sum, and Asian lobster rolls," Ryan writes.

Sounds about right.

Seems they're also going for the nightlife crowd: At night "guests will bask in the different levels of lighting reflecting off the expansive chandeliers and mirrors, while listening to music ranging from cutting edge electro-lounge to smooth eclectic beats. DJ Mario will offer live music-styling Thursday through Saturday evenings from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m."

I don't know whether the three-martini lunch is dead, but the three-saketini night out is alive and well.