Former Chef Of Oakland Portobello Restaurant Sues: Report

OAKLAND, NJ — The former chef of Portobello, in Oakland, is suing the restaurant claiming that he was fired for reporting health violations in the kitchen, Northjersey.com reported.

According to Daniel Schreiber's complaint, he saw and reported to the owner Frank Amen several health violations.

The manager, Vicent Amen, claimed however that Schreiber was fired for doing "minimal work for good pay," the online paper wrote.

Portobello became infamous in December of last year when Gov. Murphy called out the restaurant during a daily press conference for breaking COVID-19 regulations with a large gathering.

"Are you kidding me?," Murphy said then.

A photo of the restaurant with a crowd largerly maskless was showing on the screen behind him.

READ MORE: Gov. Murphy To Oakland Restaurant: 'Are You Kidding Me?'

He urged anyone in attendance during the night in question to get tested for the coronavirus.

A couple of days before, municipal officials handed the restaurant a 30-day suspension of outdoor dining activities after 4 p.m., Northjersey.com reported then, and Murphy confirmed.

State Police Col. Patrick J. Callahan confirmed that the restaurant was in violation of state COVID-19 regulations, and was also cited for maintaining a nuisance.

Murphy praised town officials for the swift decision.

"We will not tolerate knucklehead behavior like this, that puts people at risk," he said.

Additional reporting by Montana Samuels