David Moore has a couple recent blog posts about dining out with a bottle of wine. And when David Moore writes about pairing wine and food, we listen. Moore, who owns Moore Brothers Wine recently dined at Blackbird Eating Establishment and Fuji in Haddonfield.

hérzu at fuji [Moore Brothers Blog]
Blackbird in Collingswood [Moore Brothers Blog]

The soup nazi was never arrested but the same can’t be said for Blackbird Eating Establishment chef Alex Capasso.

According to Collingswood police captain Richard Sarlo, a dispute took place on Wednesday, October 24th, between Capasso and a group of hungry customers who felt that he had given their table away to another party. A confrontation ensued in front of a packed room of diners, and Sarlo says that Capasso “pushed and shoved” the customers. Eventually, the fight went outside, where, Sarlo says, Capasso punched one of the men in the eye. The man was treated by an ambulance but refused to be taken to the hospital. Police were called, and Capasso was arrested and charged with simple assault.

UPDATE: Here’s the latest from both sides of the altercation. [The Daily Examiner]
EXCLUSIVE: Chef Alex Capasso Arrested for Assaulting a Customer [Daily Examiner]

Alex Capasso of the three-belled Blackbird Dining Establishment in Collingswood is actively looking for a spot for a wine focused spot in Northern Liberties, Queen Village or Rittenhouse Square neighborhoods.

Alex Capasso Restaurant Hunting in Philly [Taste Daily]

One of Craig LaBan’s favorite young chefs, Alex Capasso is back with his own place, Blackbird Eating Establishment in Collingswood, and it is excellent.

It is the seamless contemporary cooking from Capasso and his longtime kitchen lieutenant, William Connelly, that truly makes Blackbird worth a trip – even with a $3 bridge toll.

Rooted in French and Italian techniques with a few nods to Asia, and using excellent local ingredients, Blackbird’s kitchen delivers some memorable plates. Dinner isn’t cheap, with regular menu entrees ranging into the high $20s. But Capasso also turned out one of the best $30 four-course menus I’ve seen for a recent “farm to fork” event, though I’ll concede I couldn’t resist that menu’s numerous opportunities for upgrades.

Three Bells – Excellent

A welcome homecoming [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Blackbird Eating Establishment [Official Site]

Trey Popp of City Paper crosses into New Jersey to try Blackbird, a new BYOB in Collingswood.

At its best the food marries several of these elements seamlessly. My favorite dish was the first one I tried, a single diver scallop perched atop a mound of fregola sarda (very similar to Israeli couscous). The little dots of semolina, no bigger than ball bearings, had been perfectly toasted to amplify the caramelized sear marks on either side of the scallop. On top, a tiny, barely cooked quail egg; and underneath, a lobster sauce whose uncommon depth of flavor echoed the richness of the delicate yolk.

Best of the Nest [City Paper]
Blackbird Dining Establishment [Official Site]

Cary Neff’s as yet unnamed restaurant at 5th and Bainbridge is aiming to open in late June. The Sansom Street Oyster House owner will be adding a raw bar to the spot, expect a menu of “rustic, French-inspired choices.” [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Mark Bee’s Silk City is scheduled to open in the first week of June. Expect the diner to resemble its classic predecessor, just some new beer taps. Also expect better flow between the bar and diner sections. [Ice Pack, City Paper]

Bobby Chez is bringing his crab cake empire across the bridge with his first Philadelphia Bobby Chez Seafood Specialties set to open at the 1352 Lofts on South Street. [The Illadelph]

The former Fellini Cafe at 23rd and Walnut is going to be reborn Salento, an Italian BYOB from Davide and Kathryn Faenza, who own L’Angolo at 15th an Porter Streets. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Blackbird Dining Establishment is the name of Alex Capasso’s new Collingswood BYOB. the former hardware store will feature French, Italian and Asian flavors. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Orange Placard Alert – Application for liquor licenses are up along South Street in both the former Abilene and Black Door locations.