It didn’t take long. Reader Derek Jetah reports:
Took family for lunch to brand new Baluchi’s in North Heights yesterday. Imagine my surprise upon arrival when I found Dept. of Health notice on door and workers moving food from fridge into (unrefrigerated) truck. Worker said current refrigerator “not cold enough.” Um, yuck! Think I’ll wait a couple weeks and check BHB & Yelp to be sure there’s no Gandhi’s Revenge coming from new Baluchi’s…
The NYC Department of Health whacked the Brooklyn Heights Baluchi’s with 58 violation points.
The DOH says that, “a Notice of Violation issued and establishment ordered closed by the Department of Health at the reinspection conducted on 02/10/2012.”
The restaurant’s last inspection, when it was called Seasons and operated under the same management, was on December 3, 2011. The eatery received 36 violation points when the DOH found “evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.”
Here’s the latest DOH report:
Violation points: 58
Sanitary Violations
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours.
3) Appropriately scaled metal stem-type thermometer or thermocouple not provided or used to evaluate temperatures of potentially hazardous foods during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding.
4) Insufficient or no refrigerated or hot holding equipment to keep potentially hazardous foods at required temperatures.
5) Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.
Not too surprised. I once ordered from another Baluchi’s in brooklyn and got food poisoning. I know it is irrational, but I wouldn’t ever go to one of their other locations.
Good Evening,
Yes, sadly our refrigerator was not working working properly. The food was being taken for disposal. We have taken all steps to remedy the situation. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience.
It seems strange that they would be closed rather than ticketed for a malfunctioning refrigerator. I’d like to see the official report from the DOH. They were open a very short time!
Heightsguy, if the fridge wasn’t able to keep food cold enough, it was right for them to be closed — after all, how could they function without a refrigerator? (I’m assuming it was the main unit, not an ancillary lowboy or some such.)
Fridge not working…yeah right! Seems like mgmt was cutting corners to make a buck. Why did the restaurant wait for the DOH to close them down to get a new fridge??? As soon as it stopped working, they should’ve been on the phone getting a new one the same day. For anyone not familiar with this location, this spot on Henry Street is cursed…Balucchi’s is the 4th or 5th restaurant in this spot over the last four years. There has not been this turnover on anyother restuarants on Henry Street.
@Henry,
That is definitely not the case. It wouldn’t make any sense to save money at one point in time and then pay the fines later on. We care about our guests and would never have any intentions to hurt anyone. Once again, we are very sorry for the current situation.
Vipin, I don’t buy your story “The food was being taken for disposal” you would simply throw it into bags and have your commercial waste contractor dispose of it. Looks like you were taking it to another location to be peddled to some unsuspecting customer. Shame on you, liar.
@Vipin, welcome to Brooklyn Heights. In case you haven’t noticed, sadly most of our residents are exactly like the posters on here: whiney curmudgeons who wake up simply to complain about something. I wish you the best in the hood, this hiccup will not deter me from visiting your establishment.
@ Arch,
Sorry you feel that way. The truth is that the food has been thrown out.
PBL: I don’t think “whiney curmudgeons” is an accurate description of “most [Brooklyn Heights] residents.” I don’t think it describes the majority of those who post comments here. Nevertheless, any online discussion forum that allows anonymous comments is going to attract a disproportionate number of people who do fit that description. Sad but true.
funny/tragic that the owner feels compelled to insist that he isn’t selling the thrown out rotten food to someone else, too awful to even imagine. That is putting your foot further in your mouth, multiplying “yuck” factor. I love Indian food, and was looking forward to this new spot. I still miss the video store, although that is about ten technologies back.
aspiring to be a non whiney curmudgeon
Been to several of their locations throughout Manhattan and Queens. Never had a problem with their food and I will go back! I am confident that Vipin will do his best to resolve the issue.
@Vipin, welcome to the Heights. I look forward to visiting Baluchi’s once your issues get cleared up. Most of us are not whiney curmudgeons, but you will see some negative comments, and if you stick with the site, you’ll soon start to recognize the negative regulars. Some people complain in every thread. Often good for a laugh or two! We’re not all that nasty. Good luck!
We ate here on opening week and the food was great! We got excited for a minute there. Hopefully this gets sorted out fast.
Why did you have to mention the video store? Now I can’t stop crying, ’cause I miss that place so bad…
@Vipin, personally, I find it admirable for you to address the situation on the blog and hopefully you correct the violation issues sooner than later. Good luck with your new Baluchi’s location. Hope it prospers.
Vilpin,
Can’t wait for you to get up and running again. Count me in for lunch the first day you guys are open.
@Vipin,
Count me among those who sympathizes. Opening glitches happen. I feel most Heights residents are understanding and not quick to pass judgment. Looking forward to eating there soon.
MoM,
Had any video luck in the book room at the thrift shop on Montague? VHS’s are only fifty cents/tape.
very sorry to say, but that DOH rapsheet doesn’t sound like an ‘oops, we missed something’ – it reads more like the place was not run properly. 36 violation points followed by 58?
I think I’ll stick with JtH!
@Vipin, Really, then where were you taking it to be legally disposed of? why didn’t you have your sanitation service (that you have to pay for anyway) take the stuff away. You might be able to fool some of the folks here but not me.
Keep laboring this one, Arch! It’s really important for you to be right–then, now, and always!
@DoM- Where is that at? I didn’t even know we had a thrift store on Montague. And thanks for the tip!
Of course, it isn’t the movies I miss half as much as the people- Marty and his girls were always a joy to encounter and I often wound up being introduced to neighbors there. I remember one time, Chris (one of the few males who worked there) just straight up gave me a copy of The Rutles record on vinyl because he had two at home and knew I loved that movie. Ahhhh, good times….
Arch is just our local troll that lives under the bridge, no need to pay him any attention.
Season’s had a different owner, right? So why are you posting their violations as well? Seems like you’re piling on. Kind of odd that a new restaurant would have equipment problems so early on, but I’m willing to give the benefit of doubt in this case. Besides, better to find out about these things now and correct them…nothing worse than eating in a place for years to discover it’s a not up to code.
Even the local trolls have valid points SOMEtimes, James!
Seasons was a totally different operation, awfully inaccurate to say it is the same management as Baluchis. Please edit that statement out. Nevertheless, not a stellar start. “Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant” & etc. Eeww. Cringeworthy. Not only trolls or whiners might be put off.
MoM,
That’s the Housing Works thrift shop near the corner of Henry, in between the psychic and Crocodilian Real Estate. There is a book nook/media room near the jewelry counter, with a selection that varies daily. (Full disclosure: I volunteer there sometimes.)
The fact that the owner is trying to address the issue on this public forum is a good sign and we should give him benefit of the doubt. I hope you do well here!
Also miss old video store, but Mr. Video is still great and truly a Brooklyn heights institution that I hope everyone supports, instead of mail order DVDs. Keep the charm of Bh alive, support all local businesses, Lassens, fiscatti, etc.
@Vipin. Scary start for a restaurant, but will check you out, er, better luck with your venture.
I got food poisoning from this place, I went there two weekends ago and was sick for 2 days as a result. These people should not be allowed anywhere near the restaurant business and I’ll steer clear of the rest of the chain too.
@Vipin:
Your place being very overpriced with mediocre food & lousy service is one thing, but giving or potentially giving customers food poisoning (which can be fatal in some cases) is quite another!!!
You received 36 violation points and then followed it up with an an encore performance of 58 violation points??? Disgusting!!!
Furthermore, Arch Stanton, who seems to know much more about the restaurant business than his critics here, made an obvious point! Why not simply throw the spoiled food out with your commercial trash??? Why else were workers loading it in a truck if not to bring it to another restaurant??? Something very fishy here besides your rancid food!!!
Jeremy funny you say that since they weren’t even open two weekends ago.
i went to the location they have in manhattan and got the worst food poisoning,it doesnt surprise me that other locations are the same.bad management and cost cutting
@Chewy: I must have imagined going there then, you idiot.
Ex-Heightser, learn how to read before you start posting. Seasons had 36 points, and was owned by someone completely different. I can only hope that where ever you moved, they enjoy your brand of over blown vituperation..Arizona perhaps.
Damn, do I have vindaloo all over my face now. Total reading fail on my part when I misread same management as different management. My apologies, Ex-Heightster. As for you Vipin, I wouldn’t bother re-opening…unless you’re serving tar and feathers. A combined 94 points in less than three months qualifies you and your restaurant as a public health risk.
nabeguy:
So the filth level was raised from 36 to 58, but that’s okay with you because new proprietors did it?
My comment may seem vituperous to you because I’ve had food poisoning several times in my life–and I do NOT enjoy projectile vomiting, followed by explosive diarrhea & retching/dry heaving all night on the toilet. If that’s no concern to you, then by all means, bon appétit, Sir! Don’t forget to take the wife & kids along for their enjoyment too, since it’s no big deal.
Furthermore, no plausible explanation has been given as to why the tainted food was loaded into a truck instead of simply being bagged & thrown out in the commercial trash pick-up all restaurants have.
Used to eat at the Spring Street location – until I got a terrible case of food poisoning. Can’t the Heights attract better restaurants than this?
Folks – Vipin was the owner of Seasons and is the operator of this Baluchi’s outlet.
Lucky for me my wife is Indian so I eat the best Indian at home. When I go out to eat in this hood, I only go to Noodle Pudding. Why on earth eat anywhere else?
Ahem, I think Homer’s comment says it all…
@Maria- Ummmmm, because there are other fine restaurants or even the homes of family and friends where one can get a super fine meal? What sort of a stupid question was that supposed to be?
And yeah, I was really surprised to hear about them carting away the food and equally surprised to see folks coming down on Arch Stanton for what seemed a more than reasonable concern about the matter. I LOVE Indian food, but if they do open again, I think I’ll wait an entire season and see what people have to say before risking it…
If I go there, I’ll go vegetarian, for sure.
We ate there about 10 days (Sat, 2/4 I believe) and the food was pretty good, decently priced, though the portions were small. But the service was really poor — I saw three groups of people leave after waiting for their orders to be taken, menus delivered, etc. The group next to us spent easily 30 minutes waiting for their check after asking for it at least three times. The waiters basically just ran back and forth across the restaurant without stopping when someone tried to flag them down. There were some other minor problems as well — no alcohol list, loud playing of Sade’s greatest hits, tight table spacing — but overall it was a fine experience. So nothing to go out of your way for, but also not that bad.
BH,
“overall it was a fine experience”.
Seriously?
Willow St: yep. I should clarify that I mean “fine” as in “okay” and not as in “fine dining.” My main interest was in getting some good Indian food, which we did. Service could have been a little better, but we were mainly interested in eating — if we wanted great service, we would look elsewhere.
BH,
You are both kind and gracious. But, if I had to wait 30 minutes for my check you would have heard me screaming from one end of the Heights to the other.
Willow St: I’d avoid Baluchi’s then! Or be ready to pay with cash and leave once you’re done eating.
BH,
Ah, paying with cash if something we always prefer to do so that we can make a quick escape from a busy restaurant.
Thanks for reminding me!
If you ask for the check twice and after more than 15 minutes still don’t have it, get up, put on your coat, and start walking slowly toward the door. You’ll get either (a) your check in a hurry, or (b) a free meal.
I can’t remember what this place was several restaurants back, when it was a French bistro-y kind of place, or whether the same people were involved then, but I got the worst food poisoning of my life there eating escargots.
The French place was fine, I thought, sorry you had snail poisoning.
ALERT ALERT Baluchis is open again, as of this AM Tuesday. Ta Da. The saga continues…………………………………
I really miss Bread and Butter.