[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 135 (Friday, September 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CLAIRE'S CORNER COPIA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 2015

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, nestled on the corner of Chapel and College 
Streets in Downtown New Haven is Claire's Corner Copia, a gourmet 
vegetarian restaurant that is among one of the most popular and beloved 
restaurants in the City. Founded by Claire and the late Frank 
Criscuolo, this community treasure is celebrating its 40th Anniversary 
and I am proud to rise today to join the community in extending my 
heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone.
  A registered nurse by training, Claire decided she really wanted to 
find a way to work with her husband, Frank. Disappointed with some of 
the fare she was getting from local restaurants at the time, she and 
Frank opened Claire's Corner Copia in 1975. Claire was determined to 
bring the essence of her home-cooked meals to her restaurant and to 
create what she calls her ``own utopia.''
  Claire's is, in a word, eclectic. Its two walls of windows allow 
customers to enjoy the bustling crowds on Chapel and Church Streets, 
the tables and chairs do not match, and the menu is a series of 
blackboards with your choices written in colorful chalk. You wait in 
line to place your order, give your name to have it brought to you, you 
get your own cutlery, and bus your own table. Claire liked the idea of 
her customers ``participating'' in their dining experience. Over the 
course of its 40-year history, Claire's Corner Copia has built a loyal 
following not only locally but for travelers as well. A Seattle 
resident who travels to New Haven on business recently told the local 
paper, ``It's the only restaurant I go to every time I come to New 
Haven. Everything is fresh and there is a wide assortment of 
characters.'' That is Claire's Corner Copia.
  What makes Claire's Corner Copia so special--aside from the all-
vegetarian menu, the use of fresh ingredients, and its famous baked 
goods--is the atmosphere that Claire has created. Nearly everything on 
the menu is made in-house, you can always find Claire buzzing around 
the restaurant, and her employees, many who have been with her for more 
than a decade love their work. Instead of relying on tips, her staff is 
paid a fair wage, provided health benefits, and paid time off. Claire 
and her staff dedicate themselves to providing their customers with a 
unique experience. That is the secret of the success of Claire's Corner 
Copia.
  I want to extend a special note of congratulations to Claire 
Criscuolo. The restaurant business is not easy and her determination, 
vision, creativity, and entrepreneurial skill have made Claire's Corner 
Copia an iconic local landmark. Claire is also a dedicated member of 
our community, supporting a variety of organizations including New 
Haven Reads, St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima Schools, and Smilow 
Cancer Hospital. I cannot remember a time when I did not know her and I 
consider myself fortunate to call her my friend. I am honored to rise 
today to extend my very best wishes to her and her staff on this very 
special occasion. Happy 40th Anniversary.

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