May 7, 2008
Leave the Cannoli: Veniero’s Closed for Vermin Droppings
The earlier reports of the city’s sudden shutdown of Veniero’s pastry café have been followed up with some rather revolting details, sent to Eater by a tipster at the Department of Health. The beloved East Village institution, founded in 1894 by Antonio Veniero, had posted a sign on the door next to the DOH sticker blaming the shut-down on a “pest problem” caused by “a large Capital Improvement Project.” Pest problem, indeed:
Veniero’s Café was closed on Tuesday, May 6 following an inspection that found a vermin and rodent infestation. Over 300 mice droppings were found in six separate areas of the café. Two dead mice were found, live roaches were observed, and mice droppings were found in a 10 lb box of chocolate... Other conditions contributing to the closing were substantial amounts of food that were in uncovered containers, garbage accumulation, and six holes in walls that would allow rodents to enter.The last Health Department inspection was in August last year, but inspectors reported no signs of any vermin. Veniero’s will remain closed until the “Capital Improvement” separates the chocolate from the scat.
Photo courtesy Wally G.
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On 1894, everything was covered in rat droppings so it wasn't such a big deal to find a little in your chocolate.
But the droppings were a much finer quality back then.
*On 1894, everything was covered in rat droppings so it wasn't such a big deal to find a little in your chocolate.*
an more people died of "unknown causes" than they did today.
Yet one more reason to go around the corner to De Robertis Pasticceria. Only 10 years younger, arguably better and a much more authentic "old New York" experience (it hasn't wallowed in faux nostalgia for the bridge and tunnel crowds like Veniero's has).
But they are Italian Roaches and mice.
"Unknown causes"? We now know that it was indeed a Veniero disease.
Now where am I going to get some pignoli cookies?
"Unknown causes"? We now know that it was indeed a Veniero disease.
That's funny.
There's vermin and roaches all over Manhattan what makes people think this isn't rampant in EVERY food establishment. How many inspectors miss things or get paid off?
Well, this is good for the diet...