Sun Wah BBQ Open Again After Passing Re-Inspection [UPDATE]
By Lisa White in Food on Dec 10, 2013 7:15PM
UPDATE, 12/10: DNAinfo reporter Adeshina Emmanuel sent us a link to a story he published with more information about Sun Wah reopening process. Although reopened now, the restaurant failed two more city inspections last week. And the findings are the most squeamish so far.
On December 2, the pest-associated violation was upgraded from "serious" to "critical" after an inpsector found "over 50 live roaches" in a food prep area inside a cabinet under cooking equipment. There were also eight live roaches inside the ice machine and "over 20 rat droppings" near the exit. The inspector returned that Thursday and did not find live roaches or rat dropping but discovered "dead roaches throughout the premise." On Friday Sun Wah finally passed city inspection and was given permission to reopen.
DNAinfo spoke to the owners about the situation and have additional insight. We can turn our cheek to a few bugs, but over 50 roaches?! Yikes. In other news, anyone have a good suggestion for other places to get roasted duck in Chicago?
The outcries of adventurous eaters were heard around the city last week when Sun Wah BBQ was closed after failing another health inspection. As we reported, there were a variety of issues but most glaringly obvious was the 10 cockroaches that scattered when the health inspector flipped on the light in the restaurant’s heater room.
Folks swiftly declared roaches or not, they missed their Sun Wah. Thankfully the restaurant passed an re-inspection on Dec. 6 and was open again this weekend according to Eater. They also received the following quote from a restaurant spokesperson:
“We always strive to do our best but sometimes the situation gets the better of us.”
It’s cool, Sun Wah. We’ve all been in overwhelmed before. Just try to keep vigilant against the roach and rat issue this time and we’ll put the past behind us and return for more crispy roasted duck.
According to the health inspection report, there were no “live roaches nor rodent droppings found on premises during inspection.” The restaurant also got a good cleaning as well. They do still suggest that Sun Wah “must seal all holes and crevices in walls and ceiling throughout premises.” Could explain the pest issue before if there were open holes in the structure. Either way, Sun Wah is back in business and fans of large group BYOB roasted duck sharing can rejoice once again.