Rat droppings all over. Fuzzy vegetables. Midlands restaurants with worst February inspections
South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Midlands in February, from an abundance of rat droppings to spoiled food. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Midlands counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in February.
Brinkley’s Chophouse at 1031 Center St. in Aiken
Brinkley’s Chophouse had an inspection on Feb. 18 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed food items stored under drain or sewer lines and that were not shielded from potential drips.
Raw whole muscle beef was seen stored above raw fish and raw shrimp. Sliced tomatoes were seen not kept at proper cold holding temperatures. Shrimp was seen being slacked on a speed rack in the kitchen at room temperature and not under refrigeration.
The restaurant had a required follow-up inspection on Feb. 20 and got an A grade.
El Teresa’s at 401 W Martintown Rd. in Aiken
El Teresa’s had an inspection on Feb. 6 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed rat traps stored on boxes of food items. Also observed evidence of rodent droppings.
Uncovered employee cups were seen throughout the kitchen. An employee was seen entering from outside and then not washing hands. An employee placed raw chicken on the grill and put clean gloves on without handwashing.
Multiple pans of queso prepared the previous day were seen not cooling at proper temperatures. Frozen fish was seen thawing at room temperature.
The restaurant’s required follow-up inspection has not yet been held.
Cabanas Restaurant at 825 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington
Cabanas Restaurant had an inspection on Feb. 6 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed meat placed in the mop sink to thaw. Also observed food sitting directly on the floor.
Raw meat was seen in the sink while an employee was washing dishes. Fried chicken and beef were seen not cooked to proper temperatures. Low grout was seen throughout the kitchen area.
The restaurant had a required follow-up inspection on Feb. 14 and got an A grade.
El Rinconcito Mexicano at 2656 Ben Franklin Rd. in Lexington
El Rinconcito Mexicano had an inspection on Feb. 18 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee who went from handling raw food to touching handles, equipment, and ready-to-eat food without washing hands or changing gloves.
Some spoiled food and produce items with fuzzy growth were seen in the walk-in cooler. Dirty dishes were seen stored as clean. Leaking water was seen under the prep sink.
A required follow-up inspection has not yet been held.
La Fogata at 2805 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington
La Fogata had an inspection on Feb. 4 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed dead bugs throughout the facility.
Multiple boxes of food were seen stored directly on the floor inside the walk-in freezer.
An employee was seen only rinsing hands when in the process of handwashing. Fuzzy white growth was seen on several green peppers inside the walk-in cooler. Broken raw, shelled eggs were seen stored above packaged chorizo sausage.
Dirty dishes were seen stored as clean. A black buildup was observed inside the ice bin walls. Food buildup was seen along the sides and inside of the ice machine.
The restaurant had a required follow-up inspection on Feb. 19 and got an A grade.
Coco’s & Beer Mexican Grill at 841 Sparkleberry Lane in Richland
Coco’s & Beer Mexican Grill had an inspection on Feb. 5 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed the self-service salsa bar without food protection.
An employee was seen eating at the prep station. An employee was seen changing tasks without washing hands. A black spot was seen on peppers in the walk-in cooler.
Food debris was seen on the prep counter. Chemicals were seen stored over and with food items. An improper thawing method was seen used for fish and pork.
The restaurant had a required follow-up inspection on Feb. 18 and got an A grade.
Little T’s Bar-B-Que at 2520 Congaree Rd. in Richland
Matthews Oak & Hickory BBQ at 212 Rudolph St. in Saluda
Matthews Oak had an inspection on Feb. 14 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an abundance of rat droppings in the storage area. Also observed multiple dead insects throughout the facility.
Raw shell eggs and raw meat were seen stored alongside ready-to-eat foods. Excessive organic growth was seen in the ice machine. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Food product was seen stored alongside propane tanks and tires.
Boxes of food product were seen stored on the freezer floor. Excessive grease, grime, and residue was seen on multiple surfaces and equipment in the kitchen and storage area.
A required follow-up inspection has not yet been held.
