The curry rice challenge Photo: Daniel Maurer

One of the city’s most rollickingly popular Japanese spots, Kenka (better known as that place on St. Marks with the giant anatomically correct badger outside), was closed by the Health Department last week after racking up a whopping 93 points on its inspection. Apparently 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. If you were hoping to take a jumbo curry challenge or snack on some turkey testicles, know that an employee at the restaurant said it wouldn’t be open tonight and wasn’t sure about a reopening date. Here’s the inspection report.

Violations from 12/08/2010 Inspection

Tip! “Critical” violations are displayed in red.



Violation points: 93



Establishment Closed by DOHMH. Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed.



Sanitary Violations

1) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F.

2) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.

3) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.

4) 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.

5) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.

6) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

7) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

8) Food contact surface not properly maintained.

