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“Albert Capsouto, of Capsuto Freres, Dies ”

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of the youngest of the Capsuto brothers, Albert Capsouto of Capsouto Freres, on January 19, 2010.  Albert, better known as Albear by his friends and family, was diagnosed with a brain tumor on November 16, 2009.  He was going to be 54 years old next week. Albert is survived by his two older brothers, Jacques and Samuel, who founded their beloved French bistro, Capsouto Freres, in 1980, a pioneer in the hospitality industry in Tribeca.  

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Albert lived in Lyon, France until the age of five, when his family moved to New York City. He graduated top of his class from Stuyvesant High School, and from Yale University in 1977 with a BA in Architecture and Engineering.  Albert has been involved with the evolution of the Tribeca community for over two decades. He was a founding member of the Tribeca Organization and served on Community Board #1 for over 19 years.  

On a personal note, I met Albert several times while dining at the restaurant, not because I was a reviewer or a member of the press but just because I was a diner in his restaurant. He has an incredible passion for hospitality and truly made you feel like you were the only one in the room. He was charming, witty, and a host of days gone by. I send my deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.  

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