Capsouto Frères Hosts Passover Seder to Benefit JDC

CONTACT:
Dara Lehon, JDC
Phone: 212.885.0838 or dara.lehon@jdcny.org

----Diaspora Story Told in Landmark Tribeca Eatery–--

New York, NY, April 10, 2008—–For over 20 years, the classic Tribeca-based French bistro, Capsouto Frères (451 Washington Street, 212-966-4900) has hosted an age-old ritual to help people currently in need overseas. This year, the Capsouto brothers will again invite families to enjoy Passover Seders in their restaurant as a fundraiser for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (www.JDC.org), a humanitarian aid organization which works in over 60 countries worldwide. Dinners will take place on Saturday April 19th and Sunday April 20th, 2008, the first two nights of Passover.

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

The Capsoutos, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1961, started the local fundraiser in 1987, after a dramatic massacre at the Nevshalom Synagogue in Istanbul, Turkey. With parents of Turkish origin, the Capsoutos were compelled then to direct some of their efforts toward needy Jewish communities in crisis. They chose JDC, which has been performing rescue and relief for communities overseas since 1914, for its quiet ethics and for its use and distribution of all funds raised.

For nearly two and a half decades, the brotherly commitment of the Capsoutos and their passion for food and wine, coupled with a warm, inviting atmosphere and an updated French cuisine, has proven to be a successful recipe and an attribute to the Tribeca neighborhood. This year, for Passover, guests are again invited to enjoy a traditional Seder service led by a Cantor, a reading of the Haggadah and, in keeping with a Capsouto family custom, a menu which includes the symbolic Passover foods passed on by the three brother's mother, Eva's traditions. Menu includes:

• First Course: Three Frittatas (spinach, leek, and zucchini), Artichoke Hearts and a Boiled Brown Egg.
• Second Course: Poached Salmon served with a lemon vinaigrette and bamia (baked okra), fassoullia (a stew of string beans with garlic and tomatoes), and mina (layers of matzo with pureed potatoes, cheese, and eggs).
• Dessert: macaroons served with fresh fruit sorbets.
• White and red Israeli wines, such as the Sauvignon Blanc by Dalton Estate, Galilee, 2006 and the Cabernet by Yatir, 2001 will be served as well as a traditional sacramental grape wine used for the service. Matzo is also served upon request every day of Passover at Capsouto Freres.

Seders are $150.00 donation, 100% of which goes to help communities in need overseas. Checks should be made payable to the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. To reserve your spot, please call 212.966.4900. Seders are Non-Kosher.

About JDC
Founded in 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) gives global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. Working on behalf of North America’s Jewish communities, JDC is dedicated to rescuing those in danger, providing relief to Jews in distress, and revitalizing overseas Jewish communities. JDC is committed to helping Israel’s most vulnerable citizens overcome the social challenges they still face through special partnerships and innovation. In the spirit of "healing the world," JDC also offers non-sectarian disaster relief and longer-term development assistance worldwide. More information can be found at www.jdc.org.