A Tradition Of Passover At Capsouto Freres

Seders Benefiting The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

For over 22 years, the classic downtown Manhattan French bistro, Capsouto Freres (451 Washington Street, at Watts Street, New York, NY 10013; 212.966.4900; www.capsoutofreres.com) has hosted very special Sephardic (non-Kosher) Seders for Passover. This year, they will be offering their guests the opportunity to spend the first two nights of Passover - Wednesday, April 8th and Thursday, April 9th, 2009 - at their landmark Tribeca restaurant.

The Seder service dinners will begin at 6:30PM, and seating will be at communal tables. The services will be conducted by a Cantor with a reading of the Haggadah. The dinner, a $150.00 contribution per person (payable by check in advance made out to the Joint Distribution Committee - JDC), is a benefit for The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, a Jewish worldwide charity organization helping people in need. The JDC charity was chosen for its quiet ethics and for using and distributing 100% of the funds raised.

The Capsouto brothers began this tradition in 1987 after a dramatic massacre that occurred at the Neve Shalom Synagogue in Istanbul, Turkey. The news of this tragedy struck close to home as the parents of the Capsouto Freres are of Turkish origin. The Capsoutos were compelled then to contribute their efforts toward needy Jewish communities in crisis and decided to create a yearly fundraiser at their restaurant with all of the proceeds donated to a good cause.

In keeping with a family custom, the three brothers - Jacques, Samuel and Albert - work together to create a menu showcasing the symbolic foods served for Passover, according to the traditions from generation to generation as passed on by their mother, Eva. The communal meal will consist of dairy and fish only, beginning with the first course of Three Frittatas (spinach, leek and zucchini); Artichoke Hearts; and a Boiled Brown Egg. The second course will be Poached Salmon with Herb Vinaigrette with Stewed Okra, String Beans and Matza Mina (layers of matza and cheese). For dessert, Macaroons will be served with Fresh Fruit Sorbets. To accompany the meal, white and red Israeli wines, from labels such as Dalton, Galilee, will be offered, as well as a traditional sacramental grape wine used for the service.

"This event is an occasion where everybody comes out ahead," says Albert Capsouto. "There is always a great demand for a restaurant Seder, and we have answered a real need, plus, we feel wonderful raising money for a good cause."

Capsouto Freres will be closed for lunch on April 8th and 9th, but will return to regular hours the remainder of the week. Matza will be served at the restaurant upon request every day of Passover.

Passover Seders at Capsouto Freres
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009
Thursday, April 9th, 2009
6:30 PM

$150.00 contribution per person
Checks payable in advance to the
Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)

Mail checks to:
Capsouto Freres
451 Washington Street, at Watts Street,
New York, NY 10013
Attn: Albert Capsouto

For reservations, call 212.966.4900
www.capsoutofreres.com

Capsouto Freres
As pioneers in the hospitality industry in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, the Capsoutos have maintained their family tradition of brothers in business together since opening their charming French restaurant, Capsouto Freres, in 1980. They chose Tribeca, after settling in New York, via Egypt and France, because of the potential to evolve with a growing area, and they have successfully flourished over the years with a devoted clientele and word of mouth popularity.

Capsouto Freres has always been well rated in the Zagat Survey which has listed it as one of "New Yorkers' Favorite