Might Want to Hold Off on Heading Over to Nigerian Kitchen for the Time Being

Here’s some news from the Chicago Department of Public Health. In case you’re in a hurry, here’s the best gross-out line: “Today’s inspection was triggered by a person who called 311 to allege that restaurant staffers were using cooking utensils to kill mice. No such activity was observed by CDPH today.”

North Side Restaurant Shut Down By City Health Department Mouse, Cockroach Infestation Unacceptable

A North Side restaurant was shut down this afternoon when Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered evidence of a mouse and cockroach infestation and other critical violations of the city health code.

Nigerian Kitchen, 1363 W. Wilson, was ordered closed after CDPH inspectors found mouse feces throughout the restaurant, cockroaches crawling on a wall, and wastewater backing up from three clogged sinks in the kitchen.

Additionally, inspectors found a mop sink filled with dozens of whole and cut tomatoes and green peppers—all of which were ordered discarded.

Today’s inspection was triggered by a person who called 311 to allege that restaurant staffers were using cooking utensils to kill mice. No such activity was observed by CDPH today.

The enforcement action was the 44th time in 2009 that CDPH inspectors have shut down a food establishment.

Representatives of Nigerian Kitchen will have to explain themselves at an administrative hearing on March 26 and pay fines expected to total $1,500.

Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or any other licensed food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to report it by calling 311 or visiting www.cityofchicago.org.