Food

Skadden D.C. Cafeteria: Closed for Health Code Violations!

Last month, we reported that Skadden might be moving its Washington offices into the fabulous new CityCenter D.C. project. We expect their new digs to have a glamorous cafeteria, one that will rival Condé Nast’s Frank Gehry-designed extravaganza. Or at least a cafeteria that’s compliant with the District of Columbia health code. From the Washington […]

By David Lat on June 11, 2010 3:16 pm

Last month, we reported that Skadden might be moving its Washington offices into the fabulous new CityCenter D.C. project. We expect their new digs to have a glamorous cafeteria, one that will rival Condé Nast’s Frank Gehry-designed extravaganza.

Or at least a cafeteria that’s compliant with the District of Columbia health code. From the Washington Post (not on the Post website yet; we found it through ATL advertiser Lexis-Nexis):

Thursday, June 10, 2010

These food establishments were closed because of health code violations. The list, compiled from health department reports, reflects actions taken by the departments.

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom Employee Cafe
1440 New York Ave. NW

Should we steer clear of the Skadden D.C. bathrooms for a few days? Is Bob Bennett feeling relieved (hehe) over his move to Hogan right now?

Well, not so fast….

As it turns out, the closing was only temporary, for just one day. And the violation is a bit disappointing — not the “paralegal hairs in the salad bar” we were hoping for. Here it is:

Closed last Thursday for operating without a license.

A bit ironic, given the strong regulatory practice of Skadden D.C. But, as it turns out, the closing wasn’t even noticed much by SASMF attorneys. Says one:

Thursday is attorney lunch, so we all eat in the conference rooms upstairs. Wouldn’t have noticed that the cafeteria was closed for lunch that day.

And, says our source, the cafeteria generally earns high marks:

It is actually pretty yummy. Also subsidized — so I usually get lunch for under $5 (if no drink).

One often finds recycled conference catering food, but I’m ok with that because the chefs do a good job and are thoughtful about their efficiencies. Overall, I’d say the management of the cafeteria is good, and so is the food.

There is a sandwich bar where people have hot or cold sandwiches expertly prepared — many people ask for “the usual” and the sandiwch-ista prepares what they normally order.

The Skadden cafeteria: sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Or at least your weakness for roast beef on rye. But there is room for improvement:

One thing I find odd, however, is that we don’t do dinner…. Most firms in NY have dinner — but we’re a breakfast and lunch only cafeteria.

Because Skadden associates really need to spend more time in the office, right?