Kenka closed by NYC health department

One of New York’s most popular Japanese spots, Kenka, was closed by the Health Department last week after racking up 93 points on its inspection.

According to Grub Street, the good-luck tanuki (actually a raccoon dog) didn’t do its job, because the restaurant was cited for evidence of mice, inadequate personal cleanliness, and potentially contaminated food, among other violations.

Among the violations:

• Hot food item not held at or above 140º F..
• Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
• Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
• Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.
• Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
• Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.