Two restaurants — an Italian eatery in North York and an Indian spot in Scarborough — have been shut down by Toronto health inspectors.
Padella, at 1967 Avenue Rd., and Kerala Kafe, located at 3258 Lawrence Ave. E., each received eight infractions.
Padella, which prides itself on being a modern eatery that specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, received two crucial infractions, four significant violations and two minor ones, according to Toronto Public Health.
It received a closed notice following an inspection on Tuesday, notably for one of its crucial violations — the food premises “maintained in manner permitting health hazard (Insects).”
A summons and health hazard order was issued, pending Oct. 29.
The other crucial infraction was failing to protect food from contamination or adulteration.
The four significant infractions were failing to protect against the harbouring of pests, failing to ensure equipment surfaces were cleaned as necessary, not providing an adequate number of hand-washing stations, and using food equipment not of sound and tight construction.
The restaurant received two minor infractions for failing to ensure equipment surfaces were sanitized as necessary and the food-handling room not being free from materials not regularly used.
A letter from owner Giovanni has been posted on Padella’s website, noting its temporary closure “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
The message continued: “We are working diligently to resolve the issue and will reopen as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.”
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It added that updates on the restaurant’s reopening will be posted on their website and social media, before thanking patrons for their patience and continued support.
Meanwhile, about 20 kilometres east, Kerala Kafe, which boasts a rich menu of traditional Indian flavours — including everything from veg kurma to pork roast in coconut milk — also remains closed due to infractions found during a Tuesday health inspection.
Kerala was hit with three crucial infractions, four significant violations and a minor infraction, TPH reported.
The establishment received a summons and health hazard order over one of the crucial violations — the food premises was maintained in a manner “adversely affecting sanitary operation.”
The order is pending Oct. 29.
The other two crucial issues were failing to protect food from contamination or adulteration, and the premises being maintained in a manner “permitting adverse effect on food.”
The four significant infractions were failing to ensure equipment surfaces were cleaned as necessary, failing to protect against the harbouring of pests, the hand-washing stations not conveniently accessible to food handlers and the hand-washing not maintained with soap and paper towels.
Its lone minor violation is that the food-handling room’s floors were not kept clean.
A detailed list of infractions at Toronto restaurants can be found on DineSafe.
Dining and Cooking