I huddle in my corner, still wearing my coat and watch cap. It’s 9 a.m. I’m the first one here. Bedford Street as the city awakens. My table, flanked by the coffee machine and the front window, affords me a sense of privacy, where I withdraw into my own atmosphere."
-- Patti Smith (chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This is Smith’s introduction to her lifestyle, her summarizing description of Café ‘Ino. Smith creates her own world in the places she loves, and her routine at ‘Ino is very grounding for her. She has her own way of doing things. And in some ways she is very self-aware, while in others she is completely absorbed in her perspective.

No music no menus. Just silence black coffee olive oil fresh mint brown bread.
-- Patti Smith (chapter 1 paragraph 3)

Importance: Smith imagines her dream café, a place of respite for travelers and writers. As with many things, her concept consists of a few very...