Now You See It…Now You Don’t. Kahawa Cafe Closed Again

Christine Bush -

Things are looking a bit shaky at Kahawa Cafe (5th Avenue and 15th Street). The coffee shop, which quietly reopened on April 4 (just as quickly as it had shut down several months prior) was spotted today with its gates down.

An employee standing outside (who did not wish to give his name) said that they, “might be open today or tomorrow,” but would not give a reason for the closure.

We hate to see a business going under, so let’s just hope they’re having some problems with the plumbing. Regardless, we’ll keep an eye on the cafe and let you know when they open back up again.

UPDATE 3:37pm: Aaaaaand they’re open again.

UPDATE 4:15pm: According to the Department of Health website, Kahawa was ordered closed on May 10 with 124 violation points. The site does not note whether the cafe has been allowed to reopen, so we’re checking with the DOH for additional details, and will update once we hear more.

1)

Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.


2)

Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.


3)

Appropriately scaled metal stem-type thermometer or thermocouple not provided or used to evaluate temperatures of potentially hazardous foods during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding.


4)

Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided.


5)

No facilities available to wash, rinse and sanitize utensils and/or equipment.


6)

Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared.


7)

Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.


8) Covered garbage receptacle not provided or inadequate, except that garbage receptacle may be uncovered during active use. Garbage storage area not properly constructed or maintained; grinder or compactor dirty.
9) Toilet facility not maintained and provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle and self-closing door.
10) Accurate thermometer not provided in refrigerated or hot holding equipment.
11) Proper sanitization not provided for utensil ware washing operation.
12) “”Wash hands” sign not posted at hand wash facility.