Shun Lee on West 65th Street reopened on Wednesday, with a grade pending sticker in the window, more than a week after getting closed by the Health Department for several violations.
But two other Upper West Side restaurants were closed by DOH for violations.
Sal & Carmine’s, the famed pizzeria at 2671 Broadway between 101st and 102nd Street, had a yellow DOH sticker on the door, according to Rachel who took the photo above. An employee said the place was closed for the night for cleaning. The department did not have the list of violations on its website yet.
And Mimi Japanese Restaurant at 566 Amsterdam Avenue between 87th and 88th Street was closed last week after receiving violations that included evidence of mice and roaches, and it remained closed this week. A message on the restaurant’s machine says it plans to reopen on Thursday.
Is the Health Dep’t becoming more aggressive with these closings? And if so, is that good or bad? They seem to be occurring with more frequency. Or maybe it’s just that the WSR is giving them more coverage.
“Is that good or bad” depends on how clean you want your restaurants to be and how much you want to reduce your risk of foodborne illness.
You seem to assume that the closings are based only on the “legitimate” factors that you mention, and not motivated, at least partly, by other, less noble factors. I am not suggesting that they are dishonorably motivated, which is why I put it in the form of a question, but I am curious.
If you’ve ever been present when the DOH inspects a restaurant you would have your answer. When I witnessed this recently I was impressed by how professional, knowledgeable and — unexpectedly — helpful they were in communicating to the managers not only what they were finding, but what the restaurant workers should do to improve their practices. Hats off to these hard-working people dedicated to our safety.
Too bad about Mimi’s. It’s a sort of undiscovered gem. Except by mice and roaches, sadly. I hope they are able to re-open. I highly recommend the food.
Another comment about how good the food is at a restaurant that gets closed down due to mice and roaches. Mice and roaches in a food establishment is disgusting.
Do you not realize the filth and germs and potential disease that are carried and deposited by these pests? I just don’t understand comments like the above.
I hope they are able to clean their restaurant and hire a an exterminator…
I am glad Shun Lee has reopened.
We don’t have any decent Chinese restaurants in and around the neighborhood. Everyone is entitled to a lapse. Let’s not be too harsh on them.
Where else would you get a New Year’s special meal?
Good luck Shun Lee.
So in just several days all those mice and roaches suddenly vanished from Shun Lee? They ought to publish the name of their exterminator, he’ll make a fortune.
May or may not be related; but this time of year historically is when mice and rats start looking for warmer digs to spend the colder months.
Something has changed in the way Sal and Carmine’s pizza. I don’t know if it’s the dough or sauce but the last few times I’ve eaten there something just doesn’t taste the same. I remember there being a more sourdough taste and the sauce being a little sweeter. I don’t know. Maybe it’s my taste buds that have changed. I also don’t see the family there anymore.
Sorry but I always thought Sal and Carmines was overrated. Don’t understand the appeal.
Rat droppings tend to have that effect.
Not sure what the new crunchy topping was though
I agree. They’ve gone downhill a bit. It’s a bummer b/c when it’s good, it’s REAL good!
I’m not sure I will hurry back to Shun Lee after all this notoriety.
I blame deBlasio. Isn’t that how this works ?
And Kevin Spacey. I love him but I just can’t ( sobs ) …
Let’s face it: 99% of the average private in-home kitchens in the US would be shut down in an instant if the Health Department could pop in.