New York City - Di Fara's Pizza Once Again Closed For Health Violations

From New York Magazine, today (I say "today" lest anyone think I am telling an old story. It's happened again.):

Fans of one of Brooklyn's best pizzerias, the low key, oft-crowded, charming as all get out Di Fara pizzeria in Midwood, may not be surprised to learn the place has had its fair share of run ins with the Health Department. Back in 2007, the pizza spot failed five out of six of its health inspections, and it has scored a high B/low C score every time it's been inspected in the last two years. On a Wednesday inspection, Di Fara racked up 67 points, a failing grade.

According to the DOH report, they closed the pizzeria due to "inadequate" personal cleanliness, evidence of mice, flies, dirty surfaces, and sundry other issues. But the good folks at Di Fara are taking the setback in stride. After writing on Facebook Thursday that they would be closed for two to four days "due to personal matters," they added that it's "just a glitch in some paperwork bureaucracy with the new grading system."

DOH Shutters Di Fara After Tallying 67 Violation Points (http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/11/di_fara_doh.php)

Also, Di Fara Reports Are Di-sgusting (http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2011/11/di_fara_reports_are_di-sgustin.html?e=grubstreet--20111121)

Bummer. I finally ate there for the first time a couple months ago and Di-fara may be a bit Di-rty, but it's also extraordinarily Di-licious.

I wonder why they have so much trouble complying?

Just go to Bad Boys on 86th St. Take the D to Bay Parkway. Not fancy by any means but the pizza is out of this world.

I wonder why they have so much trouble complying?

Beats me, but I wish I had them as clients. Seem to be a source of repeat business. :D

Just go to Bad Boys on 86th St. Take the D to Bay Parkway. Not fancy by any means but the pizza is out of this world.

How'd they do on the health inspection? :)

How'd they do on the health inspection? :)They got an A. :) It's an old-fashioned pizza place not for the tourists. You order from the guys at the counter. The pizza is out of this world. For example, they make their meatballs in giant pots with tomato sauce and then slice off chunks to put on your pizza or slice. It doesn't get fresher or more delicious. If you're looking to impress someone with fine dining; forget it. This isn't the place. No waiters, no table cloths. But the pizza....mmmmmmm

When I was at Di Fara the owner was literally harvesting basil directly from plants in the window to put on the pizzas. Outstanding. But probably a health code violation. Sigh.

When I was at Di Fara the owner was literally harvesting basil directly from plants in the window to put on the pizzas. Outstanding. But probably a health code violation. Sigh.

I'm sure you're joking but for anyone else reading this, DiFara's problems have nothing to do with home-grown herbs. More like home-grown filth.

I've been enjoying pizza at Di Fara ever since I was a kid. I expect to enjoy same when I'm an old man (already on the road to that). :D

We grew up on that pizza. I'll go out on a limb and say that if we played with dangerous toys and somehow managed to survive the led issues that have plagued the paint and toy industry, I think I can survive a little poop from a little mouse.

The above is only my opinion.

I've been enjoying pizza at Di Fara ever since I was a kid. I expect to enjoy same when I'm an old man (already on the road to that). :D

We grew up on that pizza. I'll go out on a limb and say that if we played with dangerous toys and somehow managed to survive the led issues that have plagued the paint and toy industry, I think I can survive a little poop from a little mouse.

The above is only my opinion.



Here's my opinion:

There's an old expression "eat ---- and die." Why is that? Brooklyn is fortunately not some third world hell hole where the World Health Organization is declaring cholera epidemics or the Gates Foundation is building water purification plants. We can expect that our restaurants comply with the law.

The reason for the provisions in the Health Code requiring sanitary measures in restuarants is to protect the health and well-being of the public. While there may be a percentage of the public that can eat rodent feces with no ill effects (just as there are probably some who can drink Drano as well), there is no question that this is bad for your health.

A food establishment that repeatedly flouts the laws regarding food safety should be permanently shut down. This is especially true when by all accounts, this is a highly profitable business that could easily afford to keep things in order.

Typhoid Mary was working in a restaurant when she was arrested. Fortunately, typhoid is pretty much under control. Salmonella and Listeria, to name just two food-borne problems, are not.

Bon appetit.

And by the way, if you want to try some real italian pizza stay away from Di Fara and go to Manhattan at Pizzeria Numero 28 on Carmine Street near Bleecker... ;-)

I've been enjoying pizza at Di Fara ever since I was a kid. I expect to enjoy same when I'm an old man (already on the road to that). :D

We grew up on that pizza. I'll go out on a limb and say that if we played with dangerous toys and somehow managed to survive the led issues that have plagued the paint and toy industry, I think I can survive a little poop from a little mouse.

The above is only my opinion.

To each his own, but I can't think of too many more disgusting thoughts when it comes to my food. :confused: I'm really not sure why anyone would take such a chance.

I heard on the radio that Dom expects to re-open tomorrow. This means the place will be clean (for a while anyway). ;)

Here's one way of taking care of things:

http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jamie/nov2211difara.jpg





http://gothamist.com/2011/11/22/di_fara_pizza_prepares_for_epic_bat.php

Violations recorded in the following area (s), a Notice of Violation issued and establishment ordered closed by the Department of Health at the initial operational cycle inspection conducted on 11/16/2011.
"Critical" violations are displayed in red.

Violation points: 67

Sanitary Violations
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
3) 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.
4) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
5) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
6) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
7) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
8) 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.
9) 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.

Looks like today was its second day back in operation.

http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/23/di-fara-pizza-reopens/

The Onion truly has an article for every situation:

Health Department Closes Perfectly Good Burrito Place (http://www.theonion.com/articles/health-department-closes-perfectly-good-burrito-pl,2234/)

As unappealing as that list of violations is, there's one thing that I find even more unappetizing and I know it won't be found at DiFara's. I'll be making another return trip in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to it.

While there may be a percentage of the public that can eat rodent feces with no ill effects...I haven't heard of anyone reporting rodent poop in their food. Has anyone?

I know I've had mice turds in *my* kitchen, and luckily, none of it has ever ended up in, say, my scrambled eggs. :)

Went to Bad Boys Saturday evening....yum!

I haven't heard of anyone reporting rodent poop in their food. Has anyone?

I know I've had mice turds in *my* kitchen, and luckily, none of it has ever ended up in, say, my scrambled eggs. :)

If you follow the thread, I was responding to another member.

If you follow the thread, I was responding to another member.Of course. I saw that.

But you brought up the possibility of eating, well, poop. So I was curious if that had actually happened.

The main kitcken at the MARRIOTT MARQUIS on Broadway in Times Square has its Grade Pending after scoring 54 points last month, improving to 27 points - among other findings: live roaches and filth flies, and cold food that is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan, etc. :td:

The Waldorf Astoria, a popular hotel stop for the POTUS & world leaders alike had 42 violation points earlier in the year - similar findings alike with pesticide use and plumbing system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Its employee cafeteria has a "B" with similar issues including plumbing violations that're cited back in 2010. :eek:

Bad Boys did received an "A" last month - only 6 points for evidence of mice or live mice, and shortly before that - 19 points for live roaches .... hmmm, okay. It's clean enough .... time to "chow"

The letter grade is helping the public, plus fining the owners typically thousands of dollars in fines & prompting corrections, but the posted sign at the entrance/front window itself doesn't tell the full story - go online & review the detailed inspection history, then decide the yummy question of "Do I/we want to EAT here today?" :D

As unappealing as that list of violations is, there's one thing that I find even more unappetizing and I know it won't be found at DiFara's.

Bad pizza?

I'll be making another return trip in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to it.

I'm in. You know how to get a hold of me.

dh

The letter grade is helping the public, plus fining the owners typically thousands of dollars in fines & prompting corrections, but the posted sign at the entrance/front window itself doesn't tell the full story - go online & review the detailed inspection history, then decide the yummy question of "Do I/we want to EAT here today?" :D^

Bad pizza?
That, too.

As unappealing as that list of violations is, there's one thing that I find even more unappetizing and I know it won't be found at DiFara's.

Ebola?

I'll be making another return trip in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to it.

Maimonides is the best nearby ER. Other good choices would be Lutheran or Methodist. Kings County, if not too busy with GSWs, would also be good.