Dr. Claw Meets The DoH

Dr. Claw

During our lobster roll quest, we included a not-so-legit purveyor of rolls: Dr. Claw—the underground lobster roll dealer in Greenpoint. Well, seems the Department of Health isn't really a fan of the Claw, otherwise known as "The Lobstah Pushah," who runs a delivery service out of his apartment, and earlier this week they shut him down.

According to the Brooklyn Paper, the big bad DoH came knockin' at his door yesterday afternoon and threatened to put him in jail if he didn't stop serving his mouth-watering, buttery lobster rolls (no word on if they confiscated the remaining goods). More specifically, the notice he returned home to said he must "immediately close and cease and desist from operating any food service establishment at these premises." That doesn't mean he can't operate from another location, however—say, something like that vehicle Happy Harry Hard-on was forced to broadcast from when the Feds found out where he was running his pirate radio station from?

Until he's back in business, his customers—who he clears via Facebook—will have to ride out the rest of summer without his services. Or not? Allegedly in an email to them, he promised he'd be "conducting business as best he can from his jail cell until further notice."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Food on August 25, 2010 2:55 PM

Comments [rss]

glob

1000 drug dealers in Brooklyn and this guy gets nabbed for selling sandwiches... :shakes head:

Sara

I'm sure they must have a valid reason for doing what they did!

Quality Research Services

http://www.writessay.com

John L

This city is always picking on the little guy now.

What's the harm in what this guy is doing?

I wish the Department of Health would get some of the bed bug sniffing dogs and start inspecting the city's public spaces, that would be time better spent than chasing criminal cooks.

soxinthecity

This guy should be shot for putting butter on a lobster roll.

exnyer

I get sick every time I eat Chinese take out....but it tastes soooo good.

BDS=(Boycott.Divest.Sanction)

gothamist..this should go without saying, but if you like the guy or what he's doing you DONT write a story about him, which will force some city agency to shut him down.

use some common sense and stop pretending like you're some sort of innocent party to all this. You snitched.

alysonwonderland

The Lobster guy AKA Ben Sargent did an on-camera interview with the Daily News back in February, used his REAL name, and let cameras into his secret kitchen so I think he did this to himself. Gothamist, Thrillist, and anyone else who picked up or followed the story is not to blame.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/02/05/2010-02-05_bklyn_underground_crustacean_station.html

Just like Ronnie the grilled cheese guy, if they want to truly stay underground then they should stop talking to the press. I was surprised that NBC/Today show earlier this month featured "Ronnie" and his grilled cheese sandwiches, therefore promoting an illegal business. It's insulting to those that must work hard to play by the rules (regulations, inspections and taxes, fees) to be a legitimate business.

BDS=(Boycott.Divest.Sanction)

thank you alyson,

I did see this guy on some tv program 6 months back and he got into trouble soon after...I thought as you say...he should have kept it quiet and no one would have bothered him.

I had plans to go over and get me one of his sandwhiches but now alas its not to be. I'm okay with blamming this guy and gothamist for sabotaging a cool thing.

I hear what you're saying about legitamate business. thats why these types of things shouldnt advertise themselves in the media and come up off as legal eateries. they're not, but nor are they hurting real business. thats MO, i dont think his basement operation was a threat to any offical restraunts.

I want a good lobster sandwhich like the one he made? Where could I get one legitamately? seriously, I'd like to know?

Boogie Down

Baron Ambrosia? In Brooklyn?!

LESh8r

the DOH is horseshit. if you don't trust the people making your food...dont fng eat it. what i can't cook my facebook friends dinner without the MAN all up in my bizness?

jaycjay

"no word on if they confiscated the remaining goods"

I'll give you the word: they didn't.

Not that I was there or know him, but the DoH doesn't confiscate anything so it's pretty obvious.