When I heard that Di Fara's Pizzeria (Ave J., Brooklyn) -- the "#1 Zagat Rated New York Pizza 8 Years Running" -- had a "Grade Pending" sign posted on its front door, I searched the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website for some answers.
The news can't be good, because the joint reportedly scored some 24 violation points. Here's what health inspectors allegedly found on their last visit (August 1, 2013):
Violations recorded in the following area (s) and a Notice of Violation issued at the reinspection conducted on 08/01/2013.
"Critical" violations are displayed in yellow.
Violation points: 24
Sanitary Violations
1) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
2) Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.
3) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
4) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
5) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
6) Toilet facility not maintained and provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle and self-closing door.
1) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
2) Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.
3) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
4) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
5) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
6) Toilet facility not maintained and provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle and self-closing door.
(So, is this the secret to attaining a top ranking with Zagat?)