Reviving Home-Style Culinary Traditions, Shakespeare and Co. Café Opens in Beirut, Lebanon
In a world gravitating towards modernity in culinary trends, restaurants with sleek, contemporary interiors are becoming prevalent. Monotone colors, hues of black and white combine with textures like brushed steel and sharp glass to create a minimalistic effect. This trend carries over often into the clean-cut presentation of dishes and even the style of service. These developments are welcomed and enjoyed, yet,
Shakespeare and Co., a colorful little café born in the Middle East, has stubbornly carved out its own niche in the upscale-casual sector without conforming to these modern food and beverage trends. Utilizing stylistic elements popular during the Victorian era, especially the Rococo artistic movement, Shakespeare and Co. deviates from the norm with its own fun and fanciful interior that is a tribute to the charm of the past. Having won and been nominated for multiple dining awards including Time Out and What’s On,
Shakespeare and Co.’s aspiration to revive a bygone era has proven to be a recipe for success.
The café-restaurant continues to expand internationally, opening its first outlet this week in Beirut, Lebanon, a place where tradition and hospitality are appreciated and honored by many. Entering the café, patrons are greeted with Victorian sofas, French chairs and antiqued coffee tables. The ambiance created is reminiscent of a grandmother’s carefully manicured living room. Vibrant colors give just enough of a modern twist to keep the look fresh and whimsical. The extensive menu boasts nearly 200 items from which to choose, with a focus on home-style, comfort cuisine. While there are many health-conscious choices, the menu’s core is composed of classic dishes such as Lasagna al Forno, Cobb Salad, Traditional Fish and Chips and Apple Tart. The Lebanese Breakfast and Saj Selection are a tip-of-the-hat to the café’s Middle Eastern origins.
Finding something for everyone is an arduous task indeed, but
Shakespeare and Co. finds a way into almost every diner’s heart. Thecafé is located an easy 15 minute drive from the Beirut Downtown, making “home-away-from-home” easily accessible to many residents and visitors alike. In regards to the potential of the brand in the region, “The Shakespeare and Co. management team envisions using the sameproven formula in Beirut to replicate the success ourcafé has achieved in the Middle East as well as in North America. The versatility and universal appeal of the concept was evidenced with the near overnight success of our firstcafé opened in Lexington, Kentucky, deep in the heartland of theUSA earlier this year,” said Suzanne Blake, Director of Sales and Marketing.
To reach the Shakespeare and Co. location in Beirut, travel on Dbayeh Highway towards “Junction 5” center. Shakespeare and Co. can be found just opposite the ABC Mall and Le Mall. The booming area is home to the Dbayeh Marina and the much-anticipated project, Dbayeh Waterfront City. The area was carefully chosen by the franchise partner SUGL Sal as it is well-known for its touristic appeal, commercial buildings and variety of restaurants. Growth in the hospitality sector in this area is anticipated over the following years and the management team looks forward to scoping out more locations in the near future in Lebanon.
The facility provides smoking and nonsmoking areas, covered and uncovered terraces, a full-service bar, and valet parking.
CHECK OTHER REVIEWS FOR THIS PLACE:
