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Kefi Reopens After Whopping 54 Point Health Department Inspection
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 3, 2012
Modified Oct 3, 2012
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By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 3, 2012
Modified Oct 3, 2012
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Kefi, the rightfully adored Upper West Side Greek restaurant, has finally reopened after two days of "restaurant issues," as the manager delicately phrased it on the phone a moment ago. After the Health Department shut the establishment down over its issues, they're back in business and currently taking reservations—but only for the upstairs dining room. A manager told us that tonight there will be "a private party taking over the entire downstairs." Riiiight. Here's what the latest inspection dug up:
- Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
- Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
- Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
- Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
- Plumbing not properly installed or maintained; anti-siphonage or backflow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly.
- Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
But that's all behind them now! We asked Kefi's publicist about the issues, and were told, "At this time, [chef/owner] Michael Psilakis is only focusing on maintaining the level of excellence that Kefi has always been known for." To be sure, it's a mighty rare restaurant in NYC that doesn't have a problem with vermin, to say nothing of NYC's overbearing Health Department. The trick is just not to think about it. And in our experience the food is so good at Kefi that ignorance really is bliss.
Tagged
greek food
kefi
michael psilakis
Upper West Side
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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