Year of the Rat bad for Chinese restaurant

TORONTO, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The Chinese Year of the Rat got off to a bad start for a popular Toronto Chinese restaurant when large rats were photographed through the window.

Before The Dumpling House opened Friday, a passerby snapped a photo of three rats exploring an area where the dumplings are prepared in the open kitchen. The unidentified man then contacted the Toronto Star and city health officials, who sent inspectors immediately, the Star said.

The restaurant's manager, Michael Chu, told the newspaper the restaurant reopened Wednesday with city approval. He said disinfection, pest control and closure costs ran to about $10,000.

However, he said dumpling fans had shown remarkable loyalty, even though there was a sign posted outside the restaurant advising of a rat infestation.

"I have gotten calls of support all day. It's touching. I just want to cry," Chu said.

Pest control officials said they found and sealed a hole in the wall of the old building where they suspect the rodents had been entering, the report said.