Le Petit Marche Blames Clerical Errors and Red Tape for Department of Health Shutdown

By on November 21, 2009 11:17 am in Food, Government
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Photo: Karl Junkersfeld

The management of Le Petit Marche claims that it was shutdown by the NYC Department of Health not over violations but rather issues related to a “clerical error” and bureaucratic “red tape”.  A notice has been posted at the eatery by the owners stating:

Thank You Dear Valued Customers

We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience. Due to a clerical error we were unable to get the proper permits from the New York City Department of Health forcing us to temporarily close our doors.  Thank you for your patience and understanding while we deal with the red tape and bureaucracy of our great city while the permits are being issued.

Yesterday, the DOH told BHB that the establishment was on its third strike of unresolved violations adding that “in order to reopen, the operator of Le Petit Marche must correct all conditions that led to violations, submit an affidavit of correction to the Health Department and schedule a re-opening inspection.”

We know that many restaurateurs and food service professionals read BHB – what’s your take on this latest development?  Is it possible that LPM’s claim of being caught up in a government muck up is plausible?

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  • davidbanner

    I have gone to Le Petit Marche Many times an that is one of the cleanest place I have ever been
    This is ridiculous, They were definitely not closed down because of a health concern that is for sure.
    This city is a terrible place to do business. And it will be responsible for the down fall of a great restaurant because of some non scence.

  • Jazz

    non scence? the real mr. banner knows how to spell.

  • GHB

    …and I guess that you’ve done a thorough inspection of the kitchen too.

  • travy

    epic misspelling, davidbanner. prop’ses

  • MadeInBrooklyn

    Absolutely plausible.

  • Jen

    Pointing out one spelling error is a really jerky thing to do. As far as LPM goes, I really hope they are able to reopen soon. I’ve eaten there dozens of times and have always had good food and great service. This neighborhood already has so much trouble sustaining good restaurants it would be a shame to see this one go.

  • Bongo

    Don’t make him angry. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.

  • Bongo

    For the record, my experience at LPM has been extremely varied. From soup that was like dishwater to lamb that was divine. I’ve found the service enthusiastic, but lacking a certain experience, which would expect from somewhere that is trying to be more than a bistro. Overall the prices are higher than the quality of food warrants, but I’d still hate to see it fold.

  • mike

    i feel this is a classic case of the city issuing out tickets to make money. i have dined at le petit many times and have nothing but great things to say…

  • davidbanner

    whats in question here is the restaurant not my spelling.
    its the hard work and sweat of good people who are being unfairly treated. they will lose their business over this their lively hood. so while you’re worried about spelling think about that.

  • north heights res

    Got food poisoning from bad shellfish last time I was there–quite in line with the violations. No, thank you, even if they re-open.

  • brooklyns finest

    like that smelly dump Henry’s End next door is better?
    that place should have been shut down a long time ago but hes still open.
    I wouldn’t be surprised if hes behind this.

  • Merriam Webster

    Spelled livelihood wrong too

  • Bongo

    Merriam, I’ve been a big fan of your work for some years now. Good job!

  • Bongo

    @DavidBanner: It’s not about the people who are working there. If, as the DoH claims, the issues were not corrected over three visits then this is a problem that warrants this kind of action, simple as that. I hope that the management of LPM understand that they need to step up to correct issues reported by the DoH.

  • Josh

    LPM just lost my business – would have been more understanding if they took responsibility for having an unclean restaurant (3 times is certainly a pattern) the idea of blaming this on the city’s bureaucracy is woeful….

    If they valued their livelihood you would think they would have kept their place cleaner….or do they think the vermin droppings are acceptable/it is all a conspiracy theory of the city against them….really!

  • brooklyns finest

    Josh you are an idiot
    if you knew anything you’d know that nyc is infested with vermin
    and if you actually left your house once in a while and had a real job and knew what the you were talking about. they can shut you down for anything if they feel like it. unclean has nothing to do with it moron

  • Le Where

    Bf you must work at lpm you seem just as friendly as they are?

  • Josh

    BF – nice rant – unfortunately you sound like the moron – ‘nough said

  • Cranky

    I’ve had many lovely meals at LPM with no negative side effects. Food and service both exhibited a meticulous attention to detail so I’m finding it hard to believe that they would tolerate a dirty kitchen. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and will go back.

  • In the Heights

    If you’ve ever had any dealing with a city agency, you know how difficult it can be and how red tape can get in the way of anyone getting anything done.

    Some of the highest rated restaurants in the city have had health code violations in the past. We’ve had many great meals at LPM and will go back. We must support our good, local restaurateurs! What do you want? Another chain restaurant or another empty store front on the Henry strip?