New Kefi Shut Down By Department of Health (With Updates!)

Upper West Side—Donatella Arpaia and Michael Psilakis' month-old relocation of Kefi on the UWS, the restaurant that just received an all out rave this morning from the Cuozz, has been shuttered by the Department of Health. We are still waiting official confirmation of the cause of the hammer drop from the DOH, but sources tell Eater the violations were relatively mild—ie. did not involve such issues as vermin—and were due primarily to missing paperwork. The restaurant will certainly be closed tonight, and a follow-up inspection hasn't been scheduled at this time. To their credit, the restaurant has been forth coming with these details and, we're told, will furnish any and all who are interested with a statement very shortly.

UPDATE: The official report from the DOH:

"The Health Department closed Kefi today after it failed its initial pre-permit inspection. They were found operating without a permit and a Food Protection Course certificate holder present. Other factors that contributed to the closure included holding several food items at unsafe temperatures and having no hand washing sink in the food preparation area in the basement. In order to reopen, the operator of Kefi must apply for a permit, correct all conditions that led to violations, submit an affidavit of correction to the Health Department and schedule a re-opening inspection."

"Due to a paperwork error, The Board of Health has temporarily closed down Kefi restaurant on the Upper West Side. Chef/Partner Michael Psilakis comments, “I was not aware of a pre-inspection certification that was needed, and I am rectifying this situation immediately”.
Absence of critical certificates results in immediate closure. Once the failure was imminent, Psilakis felt the inspector conducted the most thorough inspection he has ever been through in his professional career, which resulted in additional violations. The restaurant will be re-open as soon as possible."