Le Bernardin Dirtier Than A Queens Deli
As expected, the truth behind some of New York's fanciest restaurants is coming to light, thanks to the DOH's new restaurant grading system. And the city's #1 restaurant is one of the first victims! World-renowned chef and Top Chef judge Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin got 32 demerits, just four points above a C grade, at its last inspection. Perhaps the Michelin starred joint needs to take a trip to LIC for some tips.
The restaurant was busted for holding cold food items above 41 degrees, improperly stored utensils and "Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan." There were also smaller violations for improperly installed plumbing, "Non-food contact surface improperly constructed," and improper sanitation for utensil washing. Though none of that sounds as bad as the evidence of mice found in B-graded DiFara's food prep areas.
No letter grade will be posted until the restaurant gets reinspected, and General Manager David Mancini told Grub Street, “As aggressive as the inspection was, I don’t want to make any comment until they come back and reinspect us, and then I’ll probably have a great deal of comment." [Via Grub Street]
