These Midlands restaurants had the lowest health inspection ratings this month

During this month’s restaurant inspections, officials ran across some repeat offenders that hadn’t cleaned up their act — or their kitchens.

The State took a look at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s inspection reports for food establishments across the Midlands. These restaurants received some of the lowest ratings in July.

• 2 Gingers, Bush River Road in Columbia

An Indian restaurant in Columbia, 2 Gingers was awarded a C, or a 76, after a routine inspection on July 23, according to reports.

Inspectors found a “black biofilm” in the inside of the ice machine, according to the report. Fly tape was hanging up directly over areas where food was being prepared. Bags of onions were stored in standing water on the floor in the kitchen. Additionally, dirty dishes and pans were stored with their clean counterparts. Inspectors found “heavily” soiled walls and floors.

2 Gingers has not been reinspected in a follow-up yet, but in the past, the restaurant scored a mix of A’s and B’s.

• Tao Asian Fusion & Bar, Columbiana Drive in Columbia

Tao was listed on last month’s worst health inspection report after being awarded a C during a June 27 inspection. Inspectors found “raw chicken juices” dripping into pans of raw beef and shrimp, among other violations.

Tao got its chance for a follow-up inspection on July 6, but it ultimately received another C, scoring a 87.

Employees were stopped washing their hands with gloves on and saving gloves for later use, according to the inspection reports. Workers in the kitchen also used tongs that touched raw chicken and placed them in pans of raw beef. Some pans were just rinsed without being properly washed before being stored as a clean dish. Knives were stored between dirty coolers.

During a second follow-up a few days later, Toa scored an A with a perfect 100 score. In the past, Tao scored only one B and numerous A’s.

• Zorba’s of St. Andrews, St. Andrews Road in Columbia

During a July 12 inspection of Zorbas, a Greek restaurant, the restaurant scored a 75 or a C.

Inspectors saw employees taking of their gloves while preparing food and continuing to keep cooking barehanded. Employees also prepared salads with their bare hands, according to the reports. Tongs were put into buckets of “soiled water” and used again without being properly washed and sanitized. Inspectors saw employees put their phones on cutting board while they were cutting food. Additionally, the produce cooler didn’t close.

During a followup inspection on July 18, the restaurant was once again awarded a C after inspectors saw employees continuing to touch food with bare hands and found that a cooler was incapable of keeping food at the correct temperature.

In past inspections, Zorba’s received a C in 2016, but otherwise maintained mostly A’s.

• Bonefish Grill, Forest Drive in Columbia

On July 25, Bonefish Grill was inspected by heath department workers and was ultimately awarded an 83 or a B, according to reports.

Inspectors spotteed flies at the bar and in the kitchen, according to the inspection report. Grime had accumulated in the barsink, and cooking equipment had a layer of grease and “heavy food debris.” Dollies used to move clean dishes and glasses had “heavy buildup,” and shelves in a storage area had debris and grime. A drain in a storage area was clogged, and water ran across the floors.

Bonefish Grill has yet to be reinspected, but in the past, the restaurant has secured all A’s.

• Fast Eddies Calzones, Harden Street in Columbia

Fast Eddies, which boasts the “official calzone of college,” was granted an 82 or a B during a July 5 inspection at their Columbia location.

Roaches and flies were found by inspectors throughout the restaurant, according to the report. Health inspectors noticed raw chicken being stored over open containers, which held things like cheese. Dirty dishes were stored with clean ones. The pizza oven has accumulated debris, and a wall being a sink has “black mold-like stains.”

During a July 13 follow up, the restaurant was once again awarded a B after inspectors once again found roaches and flies. The restaurant scheduled a pest control appointment for August 18, according to the report. During another follow up on July 23, the restaurant was given an A.

In the past, the restaurant was given two C’s — one in 2017 and one in 2015 — and otherwise obtained a mix of A’s and B’s.

Did you like this story? Check out our previous restaurant inspection stories.

June’s worst health inspection reports

May’s worst health inspection reports

April’s worst health inspection report

This story was originally published July 27, 2018 at 9:58 AM.