NEW YORK –Hordes of loyal patrons will tell you it’s the best pizza in Brooklyn, but city inspectors aren’t feeling any love for Di Fara’s Pizzeria in Midwood. For the second time this year, the Health Department has shuttered this legendary and wildly popular pizza parlor, located at 1424 Avenue J.
A member of the DeMarco family, who owns the business, says the store was closed for “trivial things.” But city inspectors have a much different perspective.
“Having failed five of six inspections in the last 18 months, their inspection history indicates an unwillingness or inability to meeting health code requirements that are in place to protect people’s health,” the Health Department said in a written statement.
Health officials said the restaurant was closed after being cited for unsanitary conditions, including a mouse infestation, flies and bare hand contact with food.
Di Fara’s was issued a total of 51 violation points. A score of 27 or less points is needed for a business to pass inspection.
The Health Department said that Di Fara’s failed three inspections since March of this year, when they were initially closed for a rodent infestation and other problems.
The restaurant was allowed to reopen after agreeing to comply with a set of stipulations “which would have assisted them in operating a safer restaurant.”
Health officials say the restaurant did not comply with those conditions, specifically retaking and passing a food safety course.
Customers come from far and wide for their fix of Di Fara’s pizza, often waiting in long, slow-moving lines for a slice or a pie.
The mouse infestation that forced a 19-day closure didn’t seem to dissuade customers. As soon as inspectors gave Di Fara’s the green light to reopen, crowds of “regulars” returned to the Avenue J pizza joint. They came to enjoy the work of renowned pizza master Domenic “Dom” DeMarco. He has been crafting pizzas in Midwood for 42 years—and he isn’t about to be rushed.
Seemingly oblivious to swollen crowds of hungry customers, Dom stretches dough, spreads secret sauce and carefully shaves and slices a trio of imported cheeses.
After a stint in the oven, each pie is then lovingly garnished with freshly cut herbs.
But if he is to reopen, Dom will have to take a break from his kitchen duties and plead his case before a judge. Di Fara’s must appear at the Office of Administrative Tribunal Hearings, where a judge will determine fines and next steps.
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