After an inspection yesterday, the county’s Division of Environmental health shut down the popular Moonstone Grill — that restaurant just above Moonstone Beach in Westhaven — due to what the health inspector described as

… rodent access to all areas of the facility inspected, along with evidence of ongoing contamination of critical surfaces, and potential/actual contamination of utensils (food contact) and food.

The restaurant was deemed to be “an immediate health hazard” due to the infestation, the inspector wrote. In particular, the inspector noted rat feces in a corner of a food prep sink, on floors throughout the kitchen and elsewhere. Chew holes were identified in various locations throughout the facility.

In addition, many of the restaurant’s employee handwashing sinks were determined to be defective. The sink in the employee bathroom provided no cold water, the inspector wrote, and the hot water was 136 degrees Fahrenheit “making [the] sink unusable.”

Yesterday, on Facebook, the Moonstone Grill posted that “due to equipment failure, we will be closed this weekend due to repairs.”

The health inspection report noted that the restaurant would have to remain closed until a professional pest control company eradicates the rat infestation and various other violations of the health code are addressed. The restaurant’s owners have 15 days to request a review of the health inspector’s decision to shut the restaurant down.

DOCUMENT:

“Official Inspection Report,” Moonstone Grill, March 7, 2024.