UPPER WEST SIDE — The popular Columbus Avenue Greek restaurant Kefi was closed by the Health Department Monday after failing an inspection, according to a report.
A sign in the doorway of the eatery, which garnered an A during its last inspection in April, read: "Closed by Order of the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene" and the DOH did not return request for comment.
But according to the West Side Rag, the agency said that Kefi, near 85th Street, "failed its initial pre-permit inspection."
"They were found operating without a permit and a Food Protection Course certificate holder present," the DOH said. "Other factors that contributed to the closure included holding several food items at unsafe temperatures and having no hand washing sink in the food preparation area in the basement."
DOH officials told the West Side Rag that the restaurant will have to rectify the conditions and apply for a reinspection before they can get a permit to open.
Chef/Partner Michael Psilakis told Eater he did not know the restaurant was missing paperwork and added, "I am rectifying this situation immediately”.
Local club owner Marc Glazer said Tuesday that he was surprised to see the restaurant closed after receiving an A rating earlier this year, the best grade given by the DOH. The restaurant also displays a 2012 Trip Advisor award in its window.
A spokeswoman for the restaurant said in a statement, “Following a failed health inspection, incidents reported on Monday night are currently being resolved. Kefi continues to work towards upholding its level of excellence and will reopen for service tomorrow.”
