Michelin-Starred Restaurant Per Se Racks Up C Rating From Health Department
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - Fine dining restaurant Per Se is widely regarded as one of New York City's best, but it recently got failing marks following an inspection from the health department.
Per Se, which features a $310 tasting menu, received a "C'' grade from health inspectors. That puts it near the bottom of the heap when it comes to sanitary violations.
The Michelin-starred Thomas Keller establishment got 42 violation points when it was inspected Feb. 19, city health department records showed. Infractions included failure to hold hot food at 140 degrees and a lack of a hand-washing facility near the food preparation area.
A grade of C means an eatery has racked up 28 points or more on its inspection.
WEB EXTRA: Per Se's Health Inspection
Representatives for the restaurant did not immediately return a call seeking comment, but the restaurant will have a chance to argue its case at a hearing. Until then, it must post a sign saying its grade is pending.
The 10-year-old Per Se is the East Coast outlet of Keller's French Laundry in Yountville, Calif.
Per Se is one of only seven New York City restaurants to earn three Michelin stars, and The New York Times called it the city's best restaurant in 2011.
The chef's tasting menu for Sunday included Hudson Valley duck foie gras and Nova Scotia lobster a la Bordelaise. There was a $100 surcharge for Wagyu beef.
At an ungraded inspection in December, Per Se racked up 43 points in health department violations, according to the city's website.
New York City health officials began issuing letter grades to restaurants in 2011, and about 87 percent of city restaurants have "A'' grades, a Health Department spokesman said.
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