The Health Department Will Finally Let Restaurants Know When They Will Do Inspections

Anyone who’s ever worked in a New York restaurant will tell you the same thing: the waiting game for health department letter grades is hell, because, up until recently, there was no way to know exactly when the city planned to drop by for inspections. You’re slammed in service? Surprise, the health department is here anyway. Theoretically, letter grades serve a purpose in New York to tell diners about the cleanliness of an establishment. But the system is convoluted and opaque for diners: there are also very logistical things (say, a sink’s location or signage placement) that could factor into a lower grade, and if you don’t get an “A,” you can remain in limbo with your old grade for months before reinspection.

All to say, the stakes are high and can make or break a restaurant’s financial success. Last month, Mayor Eric Adams’ administration announced that the city would now give two email alerts before inspections, one to five months ahead, and three to six weeks ahead with a compliance checklist. Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, which had been pushing for the initiative, tells Eater the city hasn’t yet agreed to give exact dates restaurants can expect inspections, but it’s a step forward.

New York candy mini-chain Lil Sweet Treat opened its newest location over the past weekend. The new candy shop is found in the East Village at 150 Second Avenue, between East Ninth and Tenth streets, as of Saturday, May 31. Lil Sweet’s known for its wide array of international candies, where customers can pick and choose their treats using scoops and buckets. There’s another location coming to Philadelphia on Saturday, June 14.

The founding director of the Museum of Food and Design, Peter Kim, launched a new organization with a mission of “ connection—across borders and across the table.” The first Infinite Table takes place in Brooklyn this June, centering on Oaxaca. There will be a five-course meal, alongside projection videos and storytelling elements. Infinite Table’s partners include Brooklyn Mexican restaurant Sobre Masa, grocery delivery service Farm to People, and agave spirits importing business Las Chingonas (which is providing mezcal). A portion of the ticket sales will go back to these partners. The events will take place on Wednesday, June 12; Thursday, June 13; and Friday, June 14 at between Water and Plymouth streets in Dumbo. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, June 3.