Nov 15, 2007 3:40 pm US/Eastern
Health Dept. Closes Shop Selling $25,000 Sundae
Inspector Finds Mouse, 100 Roaches, Flies; Store Failed Second Inspection In A Month
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Serendipity 3 customers are turned away after seeing the shop was closed down by the Health Department.
CBS
If you've been saving your nickels and dimes for the $25,000 sundae unveiled last week at Serendipity 3, the popular Upper East Side dessert shop, we've got some not-so-delectable news for you.
The Health Department confirmed Thursday to CBS 2 that the shop had been shut down Wednesday night after failing its second straight inspection in just a month's time.
Department officials tell CBS 2 that both inspections revealed "rodent and fly infestation and conditions conducive to pest infestation, including stagnant water in the basement."
The plumbing was reportedly so out of line that the "sewage disposal system [was] in disrepair or not functioning properly."
On Wednesday night, the store, which has been featured in numerous Hollywood films, apparently kept open its wild zoo of filth for inspectors. The Department says the inspector came upon a live mouse, more than 100 live cockroaches, fruit flies, house flies, and piles of mouse dropping scattered about the restaurant.
Only four weeks ago, the eatery was inspected and was written up for a total of 41 health code violations.
Just last week, owner Stephen Bruce introduced the world to his slightly overpriced chocolate sundae. For $25,000, a customer could purchase the "Frrozen Haute Chocolate," a blend of 28 cocoas, including 14 of the most expensive and exotic from around the world, served in a golden-lined goblet with a gold and diamond bracelet wrapped around its base.
The sundae deluxe is infused with 5 grams of edible 23-karat gold, and topped with smothered in even more gold. Accompanying the treat is a side fo La Madeline au Truffle from Knipschildt Choclatier, which sells for $2,600 a pound.
It even came with a golden spoon.
Sadly though, this sundae is for the mice. Looks like you'll have to spend your 25-grand on something else.
The restaurant says it's very concerned about complying with the Health Department and "will work diligently with them to correct all issues and be in 100 percent compliance."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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