I was reading in am New York this morning that the city health department is going to start grading restaurants based on how clean they are and posting those grade letters (A, B, or C) on their windows for all New Yorkers to see. You can read the press release on their website.

The city looks at it as a way to educate New Yorkers and make us more aware of the places we're eating at, since we can't see what's behind closed doors in the kitchen, but the health department definitely can.

I'm not sure how I feel about this new system. Most of these scores are already online, so if you're really concerned or interested you can check the scores of your favorite restaurants before going there. For me, I think that ignorance is bliss - if the restaurant scores low enough that they pose a health hazard, they'll be shut down by the department of health. If they are deemed clean enough to continue running business, I consider that a blessing enough in this city infested with all sorts of rodents.I'd like to arrive at a restaurant and enjoy my meal without a letter grade looming at the front door.

I do realize that it will probably encourage restaurant owners to keep their restaurants cleaner, knowing that they're going to have to post their health inspection letter grade, so perhaps a little unease on my end is worth knowing that ultimately, the vast majority of restaurants I eat at will strive to score well on their health inspections.

So, adios ignorance! Bring in the posted letter grades!