The 10 Worst Restaurant Health Code Violators of 2013 in Montreal

The final numbers have been in since late January but on the occasion of this, Valentine's Day week - a week of shame, ignominy and amateurism in the restaurant industry - it makes ironic sense to underscore the worst health code violators of the past 12 months in Montreal. Because bad hygiene is unsexy get it (so is customer theft, btw).

A Journal de Montréal article in late December about a horror show at Café Li Wah in Montréal-Nord best captures the annus horribilis that was in restaurant fines:

Le restaurant chinois de Montréal-Nord était dans un tel état d'insalubrité que les inspecteurs de la Ville ont imposé sa fermeture temporaire sur-le-champ.

Vermin, filth, poor sanitation, improper food storage and other offenses made these ten restaurants the rogue's gallery of 2013. Perpetual infractions cost them up to $6,000.00 in cumulative fines and, presumably, some customers (though strangely, not in every case). And while some of the culprits no longer serve food to humans, others do.

Caveat emptor.

Jardin du Sud - 8080, boulevard Taschereau, Brossard

Fine: $6,000.00
Offense: Evidence of vermin
What customers had to say: "I can't really find much wrong with this restaurant, and I'm usually so picky.. but it's awesome. Really."

[Photo: Urbanspoon]

Le Mandarin - 7373, boulevard Langelier, Saint-Léonard

Fine: $6,000.00
Offense: Filth, improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "This buffet seems busy, but been here a few times and I always wonder why I come back...."

[Photo: Google Plus]

Beijing - 92, rue de La Gauchetière Ouest, Chinatown

Fine: $5,800.00
Offense: Filth, improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "Excellent place!!! Had the most authentic Hot and Sour soup, and the better cooked Chow Main. I would definitely recommend it!!!"

[Photo: Beijing]

L'Escalier Shimsha - 552, rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Quartier Latin/Village

Fine: $5,350.00
Offense: Filth, improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "Without a doubt my favourite Bohemian/hippie spot in Montreal."

[Photo: La Metropole]

Mongolian Hot Pot - 50, rue de La Gauchetière Ouest, Chinatown

Fine: $4,050.00
Offense: Filth, improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "Hotpot? Check! All-you-can-eat? Check!"

[Photo: La Metropole]

Pavillon Wong - 1862, boulevard des Sources, Pointe-Claire

Fine: $3,500.00
Offense: Filth, improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "Small Chinese buffet but the food is ok and the kids like it- agree that the decor needs updating."

[Photo: Google Maps]

Restaurant Chez Mamie - 12265, boulevard Rolland, Montréal-Nord

Fine: $3,400.00
Offense: Improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "ggggiiiiiiiiiioooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[Photo: Google Maps]

Restaurant Pho Thao Nguyen - 5872, rue Bélanger, Saint-Léonard

Fine: $3,100.00
Offense: Improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "Try the General Tao :) Pretty good!"

[Photo: Google Maps]

Café Li Wah - 10815, boulevard Pie-IX, Montréal-Nord

Fine: $3,100.00
Offense: Evidence of vermin, filth
What customers had to say: "the most amazing fresh take out chinese food in town. anyone looking for a good take out chinese food and fast delivery service, this is the place, been ordering there for years, always fresh never had a problem, they delivery to laval when they are in montreal, so cool."

[Photo: Google Maps]

Restaurant Le Jarry 2006 Inc. - 6549, Jarry Rue Est, Saint-Léonard

Fine: $3,000.00
Offense: Improper food storage and refrigeration
What customers had to say: "OMG!!! How has no one ever reviewed this place! This has been a landmark for decades!!! Open 24/7, the place eastern Montrealers go after a night of debauchery!"

[Photo: La Metropole]

More disgracefulness this way: You Won't Believe What People Are Stealing From Montreal Restaurants.

· Inspection des Aliments - Ville de Montréal [Official Site]
· Restos et marchés à l'amende [Official Site]
· Restaurants et épiceries: le top 50 des amendes pour insalubrité [Protegez-Vous.ca]
· Du Gras et des Rats: Restaurant de Montréal-Nord Fermé [Journal de Montréal]