Temporary Closings

Zabb Elee Is ‘Best Isan Thai Food in Manhattan,’ But Gets Shut Down in Queens

Photo: Patrick Siggins

Oops! On the very day that Serious Eats declared the hopping new East Village outpost of Zabb Queens “easily the best Isan Thai food in Manhattan,” the original Jackson Heights location was being closed by the Health Department. DOH records show that on Wednesday, an inspector tallied up 58 violation points for food-temperature issues, evidence of mice, live roaches, and the other issues enumerated below. Ha! We’d like to put that same inspector into a hot, greasy thick of Bangkok street vendors and watch his head explode into larb.

Violations from 05/11/2011 Inspection
Tip! “Critical” violations are displayed in red.

Violation points: 58

Establishment Closed by DOHMH. Violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed.

Sanitary Violations
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
3) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
4) Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
5) Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
6) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
7) Mechanical or natural ventilation system not provided, improperly installed, in disrepair and/or fails to prevent excessive build-up of grease, heat, steam condensation vapors, odors, smoke, and fumes.
Zabb Elee Is ‘Best Isan Thai Food in Manhattan,’ But Gets Shut Down