One of New York City 's most exclusive restaurants is in a real pickle after being served a `` C '' grade by the New York City Department of Health . The restaurant , Per Se , was slammed by health inspectors after racking up 42 violation points during its inspection on February 19 , city health department records showed . Per Se , one of only seven in New York City to earn three Michelin stars , previously had an `` A '' rating before the inspection . Violations listed in the latest health inspection included no hand-washing facility or soap in the food-prep area , hot and cold items held in improper temperatures , and eating or drinking in the food-prep area and tobacco use , all of which qualify as `` critical '' violations , according to the records . In its last inspection in June 2013 , Per Se had only one violation worth 7 points , but previous inspections in 2013 and 2011 also fell into the 40-point range . Inspectors give an `` A '' for 0 to 13 points , `` B '' for 14 to 27 points and `` C '' for 28 or more , according to the health department 's website . In a statement , Per Se 's chef , Thomas Keller , said : `` We look forward to the opportunity to address the allegations with the Department of Health in the upcoming Oath Tribunal . At that time our final grade will be determined . As with all of our restaurants , we continue to maintain the highest standards at Per Se . '' The restaurant will have a chance to argue the inspection at a hearing but must post a sign that reads `` Grade Pending '' until then . Keller oversaw the cuisine Sunday night at the Vanity Fair Oscar party , where guests enjoyed chicken pot pie and truffle lasagna , according to a menu that Keller tweeted . Per Se is considered the East Coast interpretation of Keller 's French Laundry restaurant in Northern California . For those interested in putting their money where their mouth is , the eatery offers a nine-course tasting menu for $ 310 per person . Opinion : The dirty truth behind New York 's restaurant grading system .
Per Se , one of New York 's most exclusive restaurants , gets a `` C '' grade . Violations included no hand-washing facility or soap in food prep area . The restaurant also failed to provide adequate hot water for the kitchen and did not have proper sanitizing equipment.