- Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar Grill, 3635 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland: On Aug. 6, the restaurant had 11 violations, the most for any inspection during the week.
There were three high-priority violations: one for raw chicken stored over vegetables inside a drawer on the cook line. One was for temperature-controlled foods being stored at greater than 41 degrees, including octopus, shrimp, scallops, tilapia, steak, chicken, pico, shredded cheese, and shredded lettuce. The last was for a dented can of sliced jalapenos. A stop-sale was issued on the jalapenos. The other two issues were corrected while the inspector was on site.
There were two intermediate violations: one for a can opener soiled with food debris, the other for a stainless pan in the handwash sink (indicating the sink was used for purposes other than handwashing).
Among six basic violations, the inspector noted pans on a shelf that weren’t properly air-dried (wet-nesting); the ice scoop handle was in contact with the ice; in-use knives and spatulas stored between a wall and stainless panel in the kitchen; in-use knives in the bar area were stored in water at less than 135 degrees (in this case, 74 degrees); no air temperature thermometer in the reach-in coolers; and the dumpster lid was open.
A warning was issued. During a follow-up inspection the next day, the restaurant met standards with two remaining violations: the lack of thermometers in the reach-in coolers and the open dumpster lid.
- Louis Pappas Market Café, 1318 Towncenter Drive, Lakeland: On Aug. 6, the restaurant had three violations, including one high-priority. That was for food items (Cuban sets, hummus, and chicken salad) held at greater than 41 degrees. One intermediate violation was for lacking required information related to employee training. And one basic violation was for pans on a shelf that wasn’t properly air-dried and wet nesting. A warning was issued, and in a follow-up inspection the next day, the restaurant met standards with two remaining violations: the employee training records and the wet-nesting pans.
Remember that in some cases, violations are noted are technical issues not directly linked to hygiene or cleanliness. Remember, too, that broken refrigerators, chipped tiles or fast work may add up to unintended mistakes.
Regardless, if you notice abuses of state standards, report them and DBPR will send inspectors. Call 850-487-1395.