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Popular Midtown Chinese Bakery Fuji Shut Down by Health Department

By Mathew Katz | October 9, 2012 2:05pm

GARMENT DISTRICT — Maybe the $4 dim sum wasn't the best idea.

Fuji Bakery, the popular Midtown purveyor of cheap Chinese food and pastries, was shut down by the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygeine after racking up a whopping 70 violation points during an inspecton last week.

A longtime favorite of the office lunch scene for its cheap buffet and variety of Chinese buns, the restaurant at 224 W. 35th St. was slammed by inspectors for having live roaches and filth flies, among other violations, according to the department.

The Oct. 4 inspection also found that food was not covered when transported, that counters where food was prepared were not washed, and that cold foods were left unrefrigerated.

The restaurant was still closed at lunchtime Tuesday, when employees were spotted frantically scrubbing counters inside space. The workers declined answer questions, and phone calls to the restaurant were not returned.

Several regular customers hoped for its speedy return, despite the failing Health Department grade.

"The prices are good, and it's good food," said Wendy Flynn, 20, who works as an intern in the area. "My friends say I have an iron stomach, so I'll probably go back."

Another regular, who identified himself as Eddie, said he was looking forward to getting heaping platters of the bakery's $1 sweet custard buns if and when the restaurant reopens

"You knew it was gross going in," he said. "But it didn't matter, it was just one of those places."