Yale Properties Announces Opening of Basta Trattoria

Yale University Properties is pleased to announce the official grand opening of Basta Trattoria on January 11 at 11 a.m. at 1006 Chapel St.

New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Director of Yale’s Office of New Haven and State Affairs Bruce Alexander will attend the ribbon-cutting event.

Basta Trattoria, owned and operated by Claire and Frank Criscuolo, is adjacent to the Criscoulos’ original eatery, Claire’s Corner Copia, a vegetarian and kosher establishment. Basta’s menu features southern Italian fare, inspired by cuisine from Italy’s Amalfi region.

The Criscuolos, who have owned Claire’s Corner Copia for 30 years, expect Basta to further their commitment and passion for serving high-quality, wholesome food to the Greater New Haven community. Basta’s menu is “not vegetarian, not kosher and not alcohol-free,” they note, but like their first restaurant, Basta will continue the Criscoulos’ policy of using environmentally friendly ingredients from local organic and sustainable farms.

Claire Criscuolo is the author of three vegetarian cookbooks, including “Claire’s Corner Copia Cookbook,” “Claire’s Italian Feast” and “Claire’s Classic American Vegetarian Cooking.” She writes a regular column for the New Haven Register.

Director of University Properties David I. Newton notes, “We are very excited to welcome this new addition to Chapel Street. Claire and Frank have not only been outstanding restaurateurs, but also great supporters of the New Haven community in a variety of ways. This new restaurant will give them yet another opportunity to demonstrate their culinary expertise and commitment to New Haven.”