Chef Alex Capasso

Chef Alex Capasso was born in Chambersberg, Trenton, New Jersey.  He is first generation Italian on his father's side, who immigrated from Italy in the early 1970's, and second generation Italian on his mother's side.  His love of food comes from his upbringing of traditional, classic Italian foods, and watching his grandmother prepare the meals his family would enjoy. 

Chef Capasso's first restaurant experience was at fifteen years of age washing dishes at a small cafe in South Jersey.  It was there that he decided to master the craft of being a chef.  Alex went on to learn cuisines such as Italian, French, Lebanese, Moroccan, Egyptian and Israeli working under extremely notable chefs in the industry, culling their indispensable knowledge to later infuse with his own, what he calls, Franco-Italian.

Chef Alex Capasso has  seen tremendous success with Blackbird over the last 4 years in the heart of the culinary rebirth in Collingswood. Alex has been credited with heading much of the "Culinary Renaissance"  of New Jersey.  It is with great pleasure in 2011 that he was able to take Blackbird and move it to a brand new location in the heart of Collingswood to join his second restaurant endeavor, West Side Gravy.

Blackbird Dining Establishment is an upscale-casual, 70-seat BYOB and still features Alex's signature Franco-Italian Cuisine with hints of Asian influence tossed in for good measure.  The decor is more modern this time around, but the flavor and service is as impeccable as it ever was and all at a price that is easily attainable in today's cost-conscious society. 

We look forward to having you join us!


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2003 Candidate for the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef.

Recipient of 4 Mobil Stars for his work at Krazy Kats in Wilmington,DE

Co-Founder of the South Jersey Restaurant Association (SJ Hot Chefs) www.sjhotchefs.com

Recipient of 3 bells (excellent) from Philadelphia Inquirer food critic, Craig Laban, for his work at Blackbird in 2007 shortly after opening.

First SJ Chef in 15 years to receive the prestigious invitation to cook at the James Beard House in NYC in 2008. Prepared a beautiful "Food and Wine Tour" for a sold out dining room at the James Beard House

Blackbird named Top 25 Best Restaurant in New Jersey by SJ Magazine 2007-2010

"Best of Philly" Handmade Gnocchi 2007-2010 by Philadelphia Magazine

Recipient of 3 bells (excellent) from Philadelphia Inquirer food critic, Craig Laban, for his work at Max's Fine Dining in Cinnaminson, NJ.

Recipient of 2 bells (very good) from Philadelphia Inquirer food critic, Craig Laban, for his work at Misto in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Misto in Cherry Hill, named as one of Philadelphia Magazine's, "City's Seven Best New Restaurants" - 2005.

Featured Chef on NBC's 10! at 10.

Featured in Craig Laban's book, "Savoring Philadelphia".

Featured recipes in the cook-book, "Philadelphia Flavor 2".

Also featured in the following publications:

• "The Philadelphia Inquirer"
• "The Burlington County Times"
• "The Trenton Times"
• "Taste Magazine"
• "Real Philly Magazine"
• "The Artful Diner"