Claire's Corner Copia is a kosher vegetarian restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut. [1] It is located at 1000 Chapel Street near the campus of Yale University and the New Haven Green. It is owned by chef Claire Criscuolo, and was formerly co-owned with her late husband Frank Criscuolo. [2] The couple used Claire Criscuolo's engagement ring as collateral for the loan they needed to open the restaurant. [3]
When the restaurant was founded in 1975, it was not vegetarian. Chef Criscuolo told the Yale Daily News that she removed meat from the menu in a "radical move" that "forces people to eat more fruits and vegetables." [4] A former nurse, Criscuolo prides herself on offering healthy food. [5] The restaurant has an extensive vegan menu. [6]
Lonely Planet calls Claire's "fresh, organic" food "the best" in town. [7] Popular menu offerings include smoothies, fresh juices, and desserts that are vegan, gluten-free, or both. Claire's also has a dairy-kosher certification issued by both Rabbi David Avigdor and Rabbi Hyman from the Vaad Hakashrus of Fairfield County in Connecticut.
