These Midlands restaurants had the lowest health inspection ratings last month
During last month’s restaurant inspections, health department employees found dead bugs, flowing waste water and plenty of raw food.
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 March.
- Shalimar Curry House, Main Street in Columbia
After inspecting Shalimar Curry House in Columbia on March 26, inspectors gave the restaurant a 78 percent or a B, according to health department reports.
Inspectors found several food contact surfaces that “were not clean to the sight and touch,” according to the report. They also saw employees using bare hands to touch ready to eat food. The hand sink in the kitchen did not have hot enough water for employees to wash. Bulk foods were stored under the pipes of another sink, and the drain underneath was working poorly. Inspectors said that water had to be caught in a bucket and poured out into a sink. The restaurant also did not have a system to mark foods stored for more than a day, according to the report.
Shalimar Curry House has not yet had a follow-up inspection, but in the past, the restaurant has only received one grade below an A.
- Papa Gio’s of Irmo, Broad River Road in Irmo
Papa Gio’s Irmo location was inspected on March 18 and, ultimately, was given a grade of 78 or a B, according to its inspection report.
During the evaluation, inspectors found chicken wings with “raw and fleshy” insides and seared outsides. Frozen boxes of calamari were thawing at room temperature. Employees were preparing ready to eat foods with bare hands, and no soap was provided at the kitchen’s hand sink, according to the report.
This is the first time Papa Gio’s of Irmo recieved a grade lower than an A. During a March 27 follow-up, the restaurant scored a 96, only missing points for improper cold holding temperatures and cooling methods.
- Lizard’s Thicket, University Village Road in Blythewood
Inspectors gave Lizard’s Thicket’s Blythewood location a 78 percent or a B during a restaurant inspection on March 13, according to an inspection report.
Inspectors noticed employees touching raw animal products and then touching ready to eat foods without washing their hands in between, according to the report. Employees were also eating at prep stations. Health department employees also noticed chemicals being stored on top of packages of jello. Floors throughout the restaurant were covered with black grime and food debris build-up. Large pots and pans were stacked together still wet.
During past inspections, the Lizard’s Thicket in Blythewood scored all As. During a follow-up inspection on March 22, the restaurant was given a perfect score.
- Tienda y Taquiera 2 Amigos, Platt Springs Road in Lexington
Tienda y Taquiera 2 Amigos was given an 80 percent or a B during a routine inspection on March 14, according to DHEC reports.
While at the restaurant, inspectors found a pile of moldy limes in the front reach in cooler, according to the report. They also noticed that waste pipes on the side of the restaurant were open, letting waste water flow onto the ground. Utensils were stored with an accumulation of food debris on them, and a slicer was also covered in old food. A front cooler holding eggs and chorizo was not cold enough.
During a follow-up inspection on March 22, the restaurant was given a C or a 89 percent, noticing that raw port was stored in the same container as its cooked counterpart. The waste water was still flowing onto the ground.
In the past, the restaurant has scored all As.
- SC Dream Wings, Farrow Road in Columbia
During a March 1 inspection, SC Dream Wings was given a 70 percent or a C, according to a DHEC report.
Inspectors found raw food being stored alongside dirty dishes on a counter. Dead bugs were found in light fixtures. Foods in the freezer were stacked uncooked, according to the report. Employees touched raw meet on the grill and changed gloves without washing their hands. Employees washed dishes without sanitizing, according to the report. The restaurant had no way to measure if food had reached the correct temperature while cooking.
In previous inspections, SC Dream Wings scored all As, but during a follow-up on March 11, the restaurant was given another C or 98 percent.
Did you like this story? Check out our previous restaurant inspection reports.
February’s worst health inspections
January’s worst health inspections
December’s worst health inspections
November’s worst health inspections
This story was originally published April 1, 2019 at 12:29 PM.
