Salt Bae’s New Steakhouse Gets Temporarily Shut Down by Boston | Eater Boston

"A new Boston branch of a celebrity chef’s upscale steakhouse at 100 Arlington St. in Back Bay opened on September 18 and was ordered shut by the city on September 26 amid allegations including ongoing failure to follow COVID-19 public-safety standards, opening without a health permit, and having two blocked fire exits. The Licensing Board and the Inspectional Services Department are involved (ISD issues have reportedly been addressed), and management is scheduled for a virtual Licensing Board hearing on September 29. Social-media footage and multiple 311 complaints allege overcrowding, poor social distancing, and lax mask-wearing by staff and customers. The brand has a checkered U.S. history, including reported labor disputes that led to a $230,000 out-of-court settlement with former New York staffers and other legal battles, and the proprietor has previously generated controversy for politically charged posts. When it reopens it plans to resume indoor dining as well as takeout and delivery, including an extravagant $600 gold-leaf–wrapped steak option for home service." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal