Flickr Shot by ’stpiduko’

The grossest thing I ever ate, and not on purpose? When I devoured half of a very organic nutrition bar I purchased from the convenience store in my office building, only to find out, as I was about to bite into the other half, that it was in fact infested with fruit flies. Blech! Ack! How did I not notice those before? What can I say? I was famished and in a hurry.

So imagine my delight when I happened on the Los Angeles County Department of Health’s very handy list which names restaurants that closed down for a short period of time due to things like vermin infestation or sewage. True, the offenders did what they had to do, passed inspection and reopened but still…it’s a good thing to be aware of.

Some notables that caught my eye (either because I’ve patronized them or was in danger of it):

310 LOUNGE AND BISTRO, 3321 PICO BLVD, SANTA MONICA

Date Closed: July 12, 2006
Date Reopened: July 15, 2006

FAIS DO DO, 5257 W ADAMS BLVD, LOS ANGELES

Date Closed: August 10, 2006
Date Reopened: August 12, 2006

Reason for Closure: Prevention of entrance and harborage of vermin. Vermin infestation.

KOKOMO CAFE, 6333 W 3RD ST #120, LOS ANGELES

Date Closed: August 17, 2006
Date Reopened: August 19, 2006

Reason for Closure: Prevention of entrance and harborage of vermin. Vermin infestation.

MAO’S KITCHEN, 1512 PACIFIC AVE, VENICE

Date Closed: June 20, 2006
Date Reopened: July 04, 2006

Reason for Closure: Prevention of entrance and harborage of vermin. Vermin infestation.