Shakespeare’s celebrates 50 years of fine dining in Hamilton
181 Main Street, East Hamilton 905-528-0689 www.shakespeares.ca
For the past 50 years, Shakespeare’s Dining Lounge has been serving up some of the finest fare in Hamilton.
It was 1969 when Franco Putignano first opened the landmark restaurant at the corner of Main and Ferguson Street.
While times, and the city, have changed dramatically around it, two things have remained the same at Shakespeare’s – delicious meals and exceptional service.
Both Franco and his wife Nicole agree, those two things are the cornerstone in their familyrun business. The Putignano’s son Leo, daughter Christina and son-in-law Peter work alongside their parents to ensure that tradition continues.
“We offer great quality food and we never cut back portions or quality,” Franco says. “That’s our signature. You cannot change that.”
That’s something patrons of Shakespeare’s have come to appreciate year after year as they dine on fresh certified Angus Beef, delicious wild game and an extensive selection of fresh fish and seafood including salmon, Chilean sea bass, trout, pickerel, branzino, halibut and swordfish. Everything that is served is specially selected that morning to ensure its freshness.
Only the best wines are chosen to compliment the delicious fare, making a meal at Shakespeare’s more than just a meal at a restaurant, but the utmost in fine dining experiences.
“To me, good food, good wine and good service all go together,” Franco says. “I want people to have the best dining experience and I want them to feel at home when they are here.”
With an outlook like that, it’s not surprising to learn that Shakespeare’s has been awarded the prestigious Golden Fork award every year since 1999, and consumer choice award since 2012.
It’s also a popular destination for celebrities when they visit the city. Shakespeare’s has hosted many famous faces including Martin Short, Tom Jones, Harry Belafonte, Rock Hudson, Kathleen Robertson, Gordie Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Cochrane, Eugene Levy, Liberace, Marc Garneau, Angelo Mosca, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk, James Franco, Janet Jones, Peter Ustinov and Bernie Faloney.
In addition to sumptuous meals, patrons at Shakespeare’s are also treated to a beautiful, intimate atmosphere. Diners are surrounded by rich dark wood, and three fireplaces help set the mood. Franco says Shakespeare’s has the honour of being the site of many, many marriage proposals over the years.
In appreciation of the community’s support, Shakespeare’s is offering a variety of specials from October 1-12, including original 1969 appetizers and desserts at 1969’s prices with the purchase of a dinner entrée. To learn more about the specials and to make your reservation for a meal you will never forget, call 905-528-0869 or visit www.shakespeares.ca.