Busted bistro back in business
Owner calls eatery’s brief closing ‘unfair’
The owner of a popular restaurant charged with numerous health inspection violations called the process “unfair” yesterday and complained that despite the eatery’s suspension being quickly lifted, the city website still lists the Charles River Bistro as being in violation.
A Boston Inspectional Services Department inspector visited the bistro Thursday and reported 20 different violations, eight of them classified as critical.
The report noted flies, dirt and inadequate employee handwashing as well as a buildup of grease in refrigerators, freezers and food-preparation areas.
Owner Chris Sinclair was upset by the report.
“We’ve never had a critical health violation, including right now, and I welcome any of the public or health department to come down any day of the week,” he said, saying the initial inspection was “unfair.”
The inspection also claimed there was “no person in charge at the time of inspection.” The restaurant was then issued a temporary suspension and re-opened later that day.
“The violations that were found do stand,” said Lisa Timberlake, the director of publicity at ISD. Timberlake said inspectors returned to Charles River Bistro later Thursday and again Friday and yesterday to ensure that the violations were corrected.
According to Timberlake, most violations were corrected and the restaurant is now open indefinitely.
“We aren’t out there to hurt business in any way, shape or form,” Timberlake said. “Our inspectors have extensive training in food safety.”
Charles River Bistro is known for its location on the Esplanade.
In addition to serving contemporary and classic food, it also offers free public events such as yoga classes, music lessons and lawn games.
According to the Boston Inspectional Services Department website, this is the first failed health inspection that Charles River Bistro has received.
The online report still lists the bistro as a suspended establishment.
The Herald went yesterday afternoon to see the restaurant open for business and serving customers. There were no health department notices visible on the premises.
Timberlake says the results of yesterday’s re-inspection will be posted online tomorrow.