It had been an antique store, then a junk store, then a hideous hangout for Thunderbird-sipping neighborhood workers. Since 1977, the location has been The Cornelia Street Cafe, an elegant West Village magnet for an amazing array of artists. It has become a New York institution, having won numerous awards for its superb food as well as its lineup of varied cultural programming.

One 78-year-old's story of wisdom and exuberance