Delmonico’s faces health violations following viral complain

[Atticus Pizzaballa]

Delmonico’s faces health violations following viral complaints

UTICA — An inspection conducted by the Oneida County Department of Health

revealed several violations at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse in Utica.


The inspection comes after the department received several complaints of mice

and unsanitary conditions in the kitchen, and after social media posts went viral

showing corroborating images and videos purporting to be from inside the

restaurant.



Several such posts were published on Facebook this week, showing an image of a

person’s behind with exposed underwear sitting in front of a pasta tray, and

cockroaches inside a soap dispenser. A video of a mouse on a pasta dish

garnered the most attention and disgust from most of the viewers on social

media.


The posts have since been deleted. Prior to its deletion, some of the posts

received hundreds of comments and thousands of views.


Following the viral posts, the Delmonico’s chain released the following

statement: “As you may imagine, we were shocked by the recent post shared

across social media. We are thankful for the overwhelming support from the

community and our loyal customers during this time. As a family-owned and
operated local business since 1978, first as Jack Appleseed’s and now as

Delmonico’s, we are incredibly grateful for our management team, front-ofhouse staff, back-of-house staff, and, most importantly, our guests. At

Delmonico’s, food safety is the priority. We take all feedback seriously and are

committed to addressing all concerns. Restaurants are not perfect, but we

continue to strive toward perfection. We thank our customers for 46 years of

patronage. Your ongoing support is vital to our success.”


The statement does not address the allegations made from the social media

posts, and did not admit or deny that the video and images were taken inside

Delmonico’s.


According to a report by the Oneida County Department of Health, an inspection

took place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after receiving several complaints of mice and

unsanitary conditions in the kitchen.


One public health hazard and 11 other violations were found as a result of the

inspection.


The public health hazard that was identified — foods not protected from

contamination by other sources — was corrected at the time of inspection. Two

cleaning bottles stored in the dining room area and the bar area were not labeled

with the type of cleaner in spray bottles.


KEY VIOLATIONS


1. Improper Sanitary Facilities and Controls

• The inspection found standing water on the kitchen floors near walk-in coolers

and pooling on the floors inside the walk-in cooler.

2. Inadequate Insect and Rodent Control

• Mouse droppings were discovered on the breaker panel in the electrical room

and under all seats in all booth seating that was inspected around the bar area in

the dining room.

• Inspectors noted gaps under the rear kitchen exit door and the dining room’s

rear exit double doors.

3. Improper Construction and Maintenance of Physical Facilities

• Inspectors identified missing grout and floor tiles in the kitchen.

• Grease and grime buildup were found under equipment along the prep line.

• Mold and rust were observed on the walls and ceilings of the walk-in cooler,

and food debris and ice buildup were noted on the floors of the walk-in freezer.

• A ceiling tile in the kitchen was missing and required replacement.

Additional comments collected during the inspection:

• Mouse droppings were found on the breaker panel in the electric room, as well

as under all booth seating that was inspected around the area of the bar.

• A licensed pest control company has been utilized by the restaurant twice a

month, with the most recent visit on Monday, Nov. 11, just one day before the

inspection.

A follow-up reinspection is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks,

according to the report by the health department.

A representative from Delmonico's stated that they are taking the violations

seriously and are also conducting an internal investigation


www.romesentinel.com/entertainment-life/delmonicos-utica/article_136fa03a-a3a9-11ef-a04c-97b8fd1375f0.html

I have read worse reports in other eateries in the area. 

[BHU]

We've never been there & we don't eat out often anyway. I drove past there last nite about 7 & the parking lot looked like it was almost full.

[clarencebunsen]

Barb and I have eaten there and always liked the food. This is a huge black eye for them. I hope they recover but all restaurants have been struggling.

[Atticus Pizzaballa]

I wonder about who the person was that posted photos which eventually went viral. Was someone attempting to cause serious financial trouble to this restaurant?

I haven't eaten at that place in many years. I think I was there 30 years ago. I don't go out to eat ever since I got rid of the car. Public transportation doesn't really help in terms of using it to dine in the evening or early afternoon just because it doesn't come anywhere near to good restaurants and service is very limited to time on the clock!

I see that Doordash and Grubhub delivers from Mr. Mikes Gyro's and also from Lafa's . I hear such good reviews about both.