Flat Top and Gum Fung closed after flies found

City health inspectors shut down two restaurants -- a popular Old Town grill and a Marquette Park Chinese restaurant -- in the past two days after finding various violations, including infestations of fruit and house flies.

Inspectors Tuesday found an infestation of house flies at the Gum Fung Restaurant, 6835 S. Pulaski Rd., according to a release from the City Department of Public Health. Other violations found included doors with gaps that could allow access to rodents and insects and food in open containers on the floor.

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for an employee restroom in need of detailed cleaning, and ordered about 20 pounds of bok choy and other vegetables discarded, the release said.

Tuesday’s inspection was no surprise to the staff at the Southwest Side restaurant, the release said. CDPH staff warned management about the flies on Aug. 4, ordering them to eliminate the infestation, and said they would be back to re-inspect in about a week.

Tuesday’s inspection showed no compliance at all, according to inspectors on the scene.

In addition to having their business license confiscated, representatives of Gum Fung will face an administrative hearing on Sept. 18 and fines expected to total $1,000, the release said.

On the Near North Side, the Flat Top Grill at 319 W. North Ave. was closed Monday by inspectors and remains closed Tuesday, according to the release.

Inspectors closed the Flat Top -- where customers bring uncooked meats and vegetables from a buffet style selection to grill cooks, who prepare them -- after finding a fruit fly infestation in the kitchen, the release said.

Other violations noted include walk-in and reach-in coolers that failed to chill food to 40 degrees or colder, and food at unsafe temperatures (including eggs, cheese, pork, cooked noodles and cut tomatoes), the release said.

Monday's inspection was triggered by a customer who called 311 to complain of water leaking from the ceiling in the dining area. The inspection, however, found no evidence of leaks.

Health Department inspectors have shut down 147 food establishments for violations of city health regulations this year. Diners who believe a food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to call 311.