[Updated] The DOH temporarily closes the Málà Project; 'bursting pipe party in basement'

Updated 11/30
The restaurant is back open.

The Málà Project, the well-reviewed restaurant serving Chinese Dry Pot at 122 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, is currently closed following a DOH inspection on Monday...



According to public records, the inspection turned up 91 violation points. (Per the DOH, a score of 28 or higher earns a restaurant-cafe a C score.) Among other critical violations, the inspector found "Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas."

A rather jaunty sign arrived above the DOH's Yellow Sticker offering the following explanation for the closure...



"We are having a bursting pipe party in the basement and will remain closed till further notice."

The Málà Project opened in December 2015 and recently added an outpost in Bryant Park.

The MáLà Project now open on 1st Avenue

The restaurant is in the soft open stages now at 122 First Ave. between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place.

Here's their official description via Facebook: "An upbeat and energetic Chinese restaurant, focusing on Málà Dry Pot, along with original Chinese dishes and small bites."

And their menu, via Facebook...


[Click to go big]

Nick Solares at Eater has photos and more details of the place here. (The restaurant website is here.) One note: They were approved to sell beer and wine, but the license has not yet arrived.

The previous tenant, South Brooklyn Pizza, closed in April 2014. In the fall of 2014, the owners of the International next door explored moving into the space, though those plans never materialized.

Previously on EV Grieve:
The Málà Project coming soon to 1st Avenue

The Málà Project coming soon to 1st Avenue

Been meaning to take a look at what's coming to 122 First Ave. between East Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place… the paper has been up in the windows noting a venture called the Málà Project …



There's not much info on their Facebook page, except for: "An upbeat and energetic Chinese food shop, featuring traditional and exotic Chinese street foods in a playful setting."

The owners were on July's CB3 SLA committee docket for a beer-wine license. (No vote was necessary on this application.) Per their questionnaire (PDF!) on file at the CB3 website, they will offer "Chinese appetizers and entrees served family style."

Their listed hours are 11 a.m to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; until midnight Thursday-Sunday.

The previous tenant, South Brooklyn Pizza, closed in April 2014. Last fall, the owners of the International explored moving into the space, though those plans never materialized.

H/T EVG correspondent Steven