KarunaNews Story

At Claire’s Corner Copia, the lunch line still snakes along the counter and out to the tables. Customers still crane to see the seemingly endless list of options on the back blackboard and debate the dessert options on the counter. And founder Claire LaPia Criscuolo remains attentive and maternal, roaming the floor, checking in, keeping watch. For 50 years as of this month, the vegetarian restaurant has drawn homesick freshmen, hungry New Haveners, students with head colds, and anyone else looking for comfort food and a welcoming table. They tend to gather around Criscuolo, described by her late husband, Frank, as “a social worker with an apron.” She is preparing to celebrate the store’s 50th anniversary, with local dignitaries, music, and a special anniversary drink. Her new cookbook, 50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia, came out in June, and all proceeds from it and other anniversary-related swag will go to the Be Kinder Than Necessary project, focusing on teaching local children about empathy. “She really does just tell you the way it is,” says a regular customer. “Food is medicine, you’re loved, be kind, eat your veggies, and save some room for dessert.”