The Kitchen

Before we get to the kitchen proper, you may find yourself wondering what the health department has to say about all of this? Health inspections are a mater of public record, so we can just look them up on the Jefferson County Citizen Portal.

Five violations, though the numbers do look like they're improving from the eight in 2020, and seven in 2022! It's more violations than the nearby Olive Garden or Applebee's, but not much more. In 2023 the three big issues were around inadequate soap and cleaner, and a few items were a day overdo to be tossed out. This year (2024), the two big issues are inadequate temperature control, and lack of dates on food. For both years, the report shows that the food date issue was resolved on the day of the inspection.

Now, maybe you're more squeamish than I am, and after the pictures from the dining room I wouldn't blame you. But to me, if all I knew of the restaurant were those heath inspections, I don't think that would be enough for me to cancel my dinner plans. If my plate comes out hot, then it's probably fine.

Certainly the county would shut the place down if it was THAT bad.

Let's keep that thought in mind as we look to see if we can find anything else the county might have missed...

Here's the vinegar, it kind of looks like it's formed a new mother.

Even dumped out into the sink it retains it's shape.

Well, we knew there were issues with dates, but I don't think I would expect the vinegar to need it. How long do you think it takes for it to start to congeal?

Before we take a look at the walk-in, I'd like to draw your attention to one more little thing in the food prep area: bread-basket storage.

That box isn't supposed to be stored on the floor btw.

Back of the shelf where the black bread-baskets were being stored.

The bread baskets go onto that shelf after they've been washed, so a little water shouldn't be an issue. However, as the second picture shows, with the shelf tipped back slightly and a lip to catch it, the clean water just turns into another gross puddle. Hope we don't get one of the bottom baskets.

Okay, now on to the walk in:

We don't know what that tissue is doing in there either.

How often do you think these things get cleaned?

You'll be happy to know that old celery was thrown out. No, not that good bunch there just the old stuff. And the tissue, of course. That tub doesn't get washed often as you can... or, sorry you were probably looking at the limes right? I should have started with the limes. Those weren't tossed out, they went straight to the bar to garnish cocktails. Don't worry, it's only dirty potato water.

It may be frost, but it's clearly trapped something growing and green inside.

Given all the pictures you've seen here, to say nothing of the mice, you'd think the county health inspector would have more violations listed. So why? I'll be up front to say that I don't know, I can only offer conjecture. It might have something to do with the proprietor, but maybe you can contact the county and ask: Jefferson County Environmental Health Services: Food Service Establishment Inspections.