The Mamajuana Cafe at 570 Amsterdam Avenue (88th) was closed late last week by the health department for a variety of violations. It racked up a total of 76 violation points.
See the violations below, via the health department:
Sanitary Violations
1) Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.
2) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.
3) Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.
4) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
5) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
6) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
7) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
8) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
1) Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.
2) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.
3) Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.
4) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
5) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
6) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
7) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
8) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
Thanks to our tipster for the photo.
Maybe the “food workers” were smoking a bit too much Marijuana in Mamajuana. And I bet Mama was too.
Never saw anyone in this place when I pass. I never had the opportunity to try the food but it seemed like your standard American/Mexican place .. Gringo Food and Drinks .. I’ll take a pass
It’s too bad this massive place couldn’t swap with Mermaid Inn.
AGREED!!!
That’s a shame. I hope this place gets straightened out and reiens soon. It’s very festive with excellent food, Dominican themed. They have one on Dyckman Street as well.
It’s always something.
I can’t even imagine how they even pay the rent and utilities.
I agree with Dan, this spot should swap with Mermaid Inn! The customer service at mamajuanas is horrible.
I’ve eaten there several times as well as attended their excellent Happy hour. Shocking news! Not sure if I’d rush back there now…
And for all those who don’t know, “mamajuana” has nothing to do with the work “marijuana.” Mamajuana is a type of drink made with spices and aged wood that are used to create the unique flavor – it’s very common in the DR and you can purchase the ingredients in a bottle. You then let it sit with alcohol for a while and let the tastes blend.
I know it has nothing to do with pot. Just having a little pun fun is all. 🙂
It just re-opened, and I’m bummed because people hang outside on FRI and SAT till 4 AM!!!!! Suuuuuuucks.
When Mamajuana replaced Rancho a couple years back, it was disappointing. Not that Rancho was the most amazing Mexican food. But it was respectable food in a nice atmosphere, with outdoor seating, etc. As for Mamajuana, I’d been to the original location in Inwood (Why? It’s a long story). It wasn’t a good experience at all. Half the food was good, the other half lousy. And all of it completely and utterly overpriced. And the service? My god, it was terrible. I think it does well up in Inwood because there’s little else. But around here, such mediocrity doesn’t fly for long. I’ve been predicting from the start that they will not last. And although I’ve seen more people there than I would have expected, it’s never as busy as Rancho was. If it was just a matter of time, these health violations might hasten the process. Not that I wish Mamajuana ill will, but I’d really like to see something good open up there. Or better yet, as some here have suggested, it would be great to have Mermaid Inn (one of the best restaurants around) expand into this space!