As some D.C. establishments closed for Fourth of July festivities, two local restaurants, Serendipity 3 and Sushi-Ko, closed for less celebratory reasons: health code violations.
Serendipity 3 at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street was briefly closed last week because of three citations from the D.C. Department of Health. The famous New York-based eatery was cited for not posting a business license, failing to have appropriately hot (110 degrees) water at every hand sink, and storing meat and other perishables at temperatures above the required temperature (41 degrees).
Although the manager told WUSA9 News that he dealt with the citations and reopened the business, Serendipity 3 was closed July 8. The sign over its doors read: “Sorry, we are closed for the remainder of the evening we apologize for any inconvenience.”
In addition, local favorite Sushi-Ko at 2309 Wisconsin Ave., NW, in Glover Park has been closed since June 28 because of an expired business license. Although the owner Daisuke Utagawa has not given specific details about the restaurant’s closing, previous news report cited the business’s bill with the Office of Taxation and Revenue. The Department of Consumer Regulation reportedly required Sushi-Ko to pay its bill before it can reopen.
Utagawa told the Washington Business Journal last week he was trying to get the restaurant open this week. “We’re working to renew the business license, and as soon as we do, we’ll open right back up again,” Utagawa said. “We’ve got everything except one little part.”
As for Serendipity 3’s brief closure, the Georgetowner contacted two of its representatives but has not heard back by press time.
UPDATE: After quickly dealing with minor infractions, Serendipity 3 re-opened.
