Time flies and apparently it's been over three years since I went to
BondSt at The Thompson Hotel for the first time. Now, the restaurant has been replaced with an entirely new concept, Caulfield's Bar and Dining Room. I hardly even recognized the space, which now has an enclosed patio area.Gone are the sushi and Japanese dishes, although Caulfield's "American" concept also encompasses crudo, pasta dishes, and bincho charcoal grilled meats.
Here's what I tried:
Pacific yellowtail crudo, pear, radish, coconut milk, finger lime, ginger ($16).
I like the flavor combination and the crunchiness of the fresh pear, but I did think the pear slices were a bit too big compared to the yellowtail and it covered up the flavor of the fish.
Burrata, butternut squash, dried figs and capers, balsamic vinegar, basil ($12)
This appetizer combined some nice ingredients with the creamy burrata and the sweet roasted squash.
Little angel pasta filled with artichoke, arugula and peas with butter, poppy seeds, Montasio cheese ($24)
From the binchotan grill: Marinated skirt steak, fingerling yams, soy, ginger, anticucho sauce ($31)
I love a skirt steak done right and this was one. Cooked just right so that it's still juicy and tender, this steak had a really nice flavor.
Cocktails here are the products of Jeremy Back, formerly of
City Tavern, and are a definite improvement over what was offered at this hotel before. Expect different shrubs, like the one used in the Kentucky Kiwi (Pure Kentucky XO whisky, kiwi shrub, Bitter Truth Boston bitters, $13).
The most interesting one is perhaps the Bar & Dining Room (Maestro Dobel, fig shrub, cracked black pepper foam, finished with prosciutto dust, $15)
Don't be scared away by the pepper and prosciutto. While they gave a subtle savoriness, they don't overwhelm the drink.
For desserts, we decided to go light with the fruit-based desserts. We tried the roasted pear with ginger gelato, which I really enjoyed. Especially the ginger gelato part!
Strawberry Pistachio is a popular one that was recommended by our server and it was certainly a good pairing.
Caulfield's brings a breath of fresh air to The Thompson Hotel. I liked what Brian Redzikowski was trying to do at Bond St previously but he was still restricted by what the hotel chain wanted Bond St to serve. Caulfield's is a much livelier and "hip" spot with a more relevant menu. If street parking was easier to find or valet parking was cheaper, I would even come here for Jeremy Back's cocktails.
Caulfield's Bar and Dining Room9360 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 388-6860
caulfieldsbeverlyhills.com
Disclosure: this meal was hosted
