Flushing's Hunan Cafe Closed For Health Violations

FLUSHING, QUEENS - Flushing's Hunan Cafe was closed by health inspectors on Wednesday after reports of rats and roaches.

The Chinese restaurant at 137-40 Northern Boulevard received 52 violation points after an inspection by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Feb. 13. Inspectors close restaurants that get 28 points or above — the lower the score, the better.

Health inspectors found four critical sanitary violations. Those included evidence of rats and roaches, food from unapproved or unknown sources and food that wasn't protected from potential sources of contamination. Vacuum-packed fish was not frozen before processing, inspectors also found.

Hunan Cafe also had conditions that would attract vermin, records show, and equipment that was improperly maintained.

The popular restaurant received a positive review in this year's Michelin Guide. "The real draw here is the wonderfully authentic Hunanese fare, with its myriad fresh river fish; flavorful preserved meats; complex profiles; and mouth-puckering spice," a reviewer wrote.

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