Local Legend: Magie Dominic Won't Let NYC Forget Caffe Cino

CHELSEA, NY — Duck into a Chelsea church any random afternoon and you might find Chelsea's favorite historian writing lists.

Magie Dominic is the artist preserving the history of Caffe Cino, which she calls "the foundation for everything," and is best known as the home of New York City's gay playwrights in the 1960s, when it was illegal to depict gay experiences on stage.

Dominic, who once graced the stage and led productions, has made it her life's work to honor the theater by curating exhibitions and writing poetry inspired by the Cornelia Street landmark.

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The Canadian-born artist has written two memoirs, "The Queen of Peace Room" and "Street Angel." Her collages have been on display at the ClampArt gallery in the neighborhood this year, a exhibition with a collection of works she organized celebrating the theatre.

Patch talked to Dominic as part of our Local Legends series, where we interview iconic New Yorkers about the neighborhoods they call home.

Here's what she had to say about Chelsea:

Describe Chelsea in three words.

Galleries, restaurants, vest-pocket-parks.

What's the best food in Chelsea, and where can we find it?

The best blueberry muffins in New York City are at Billy's Bakery, but you have to get there early because they sell out. The best pizza is at Gotham.

Chelsea Market has a mega-multitude of shops and restaurants but it's like going to Las Vegas, the crowds are overwhelmingly thick so I avoid it. But if you don't mind excessive crowds, they definitely have a lot going on.

For a really good cappuccino and a cannoli I always go to Rocco's in the West Village.

What do people get wrong or misunderstand about Chelsea?

People may not realize how many quiet little vest-pocket-parks are here amid all the Manhattan craziness. Empty churches are another great place for quiet, and several churches in Chelsea are open during the day. I love churches during the "off hours" during the week when they’re empty. They're a good place to write.

What's one thing you miss about the neighborhood that is no longer around?

The most important of all are the long-time friends who have moved away for a variety of reasons. That's a major, major void.

How have both the West Village and Chelsea influenced your work?

Artistically and creatively, the West Village was my foundation. The Caffe Cino was the foundation for everything. That tiny room at 31 Cornelia St. gave me my sense of the world.

An astounding quantity and quality of playwrights, directors and actors learned their craft on a tiny, bare eight foot stage. Joe Cino saw the genius of people and he offered them freedom, but most of all friendship.

What's life like on your block?

Well, right now there's major construction and extensive scaffolding which extends almost the entire south side of the block from Eighth to Ninth Avenue. And a block long line of construction trailers. They're doing extensive work on a school and the target completion date is 2021, which may mean 2030!

But the other side of the street is beautiful little tree-pit gardens, people sitting on stoops, clear sidewalks — nothing has changed on the other side of the block. There's always something going on that's school-related during the day: parents waiting for kids, or kids playing at recess. The trees on the block are beautiful, on both sides. They're large and old and almost overlap at the top.

In winter, it's gorgeous.

Do you have any upcoming projects?

I conduct writing retreats about an hour outside New York. I will be teaching in October and December of this year, and April and July in 2020. And I'm in the process of planning an event for 2020 which will celebrate the magic and history of the Caffe Cino.

Want to read up on past Local Legends? Here's where to look:

• Chuck Schumer On Why It's 'Hard To Top Park Slope'
• Thorgy Thor Plays Violin On Her Greenpoint Rooftop
• 'Diner Man' Michael Perlman Is A Queens Superhero
• Comedian Shalewa Sharpe Is Just Out Here In Bushwick
• Instagrammer Alessia Resta's Garden Grows On The UWS

These interviews were lightly edited for style.