A popular dumpling restaurant, recently named one of the best in the country, is one of 13 restaurants around Auckland to have been given the lowest possible food safety rating. Noodle Canteen Quay Street and Shivas Curry House were also given an E, while popular venues like Velvet Burger and Fred’s Espresso & Soda Bar were given D ratings. Pest infestations, unhygienic conditions and poor food handling practices were Among the reasons for failure, according to Auckland Council.
Velvet Burger was among 21 restaurants given a D rating – something which came as a surprise to the owners. “We were audited in March and we were given an A, but when they came in last week, there were definitely things we needed to improve on,” said James Arnott, chief executive of Cook Brothers Company which runs the popular chain. "We're obviously disappointed but we are working hard to get it fixed. I'm confident in our quality."
