Topline:
Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery in Santa Monica — famous for its Godmother cold cut sandwich, stuffed with prosciutto, mortadella, salami and other meats — has been ordered closed by L.A. County Public Health officials.
What happened? According to documents available on the L.A. County Department of Public Health website, "Bay Cities Italian Market" was closed on May 21. There was no reason given for the closure, although the Public Health document notes a “major” violation of the “no rodents, insects, birds, or animals” category. The records show that "Bay Cities Importing, Inc." — also located at 1517 Lincoln Blvd. — was closed on May 21 with the reason for closure stated as “vermin infestation.”
More details from Public Health: In an email to LAist, the L.A. County Department of Public health said the restaurant and market permits were suspended "due to cockroach infestation."
The department said vermin infestations are consistently the number one reason for permit suspensions.
Public Health said a revocation hearing is scheduled for Wed. May 28, "during which a determination will be made regarding the status of their public health permit."
Bay Cities response? No one with Bay Cities was immediately reachable for comment. A recorded message on the market’s phone line states that they would be temporarily closed “due to a decision that was made in consultation with the health department.” The person on the recorded message apologized to customers for any inconvenience.
What’s next? It’s not clear how long Bay Cities will be closed. LAist has reached out to L.A. County Public Health for more information.