A reader informed HarlemGal Inc over the weekend that Chocolat Restaurant and Lounge, located on the corner of 120th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd, was closed and had a big old health violation sticker slapped on the double doors. I went by to check out it over the weekend and someone on site told me they would reopen Saturday night. I went by yesterday (Sunday) and Chocolat was definitely open with people inside dining.
My guess is the Health Department came by announced and found several health code violations. Then slapped them with a fine and closed their doors until they corrected the violations. That’s my guess. What do you think?
HarlemGal Inc. 
Thanks for the post about them reopening. Someone was just asking about them the other day.
Has there been any word on when the burger place next door will open?
You’re welcome and thanks for the tip! As for Honeycomb Burgers, I haven’t heard a peep and I have not seen any activity in that space in awhile. My guess is they won’t open until summer of next year.
You can find info on the violations at the city Health Department website (http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/rii/index.shtml). Here is the report on Chocolat from 11/7/2011.
Violations recorded in the following area (s), a Notice of Violation issued and establishment ordered closed by the Department of Health at the reinspection conducted on 11/07/2011.
“Critical” violations are displayed in red.
Violation points: 74
Sanitary Violations
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.
3) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
4) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
5) Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
6) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
7) Food contact surface not properly maintained.
8) Single service item reused, improperly stored, dispensed; not used when required.
9) Other general violation.