It has been a few months since I took a look at the food safety records of many of the most popular bars and restaurants in Downtown Santa Ana. The news is not great.
Orange County’s Health Care Agency inspects our restaurants but they are not required to post letter grades, thanks to Supervisor Janet Nguyen who was the key vote against letter grades a few years ago. She did not tell anyone at the time that her own husband and her then Chief of Staff owned a Lee’s Sandwiches in Stanton that at the time had a terrible health record.
So here is our updated rundown of O.C. Health Care Agency inspections of our local Downtown Santa Ana restaurants:
We will start with the Memphis at the Santora, which got nailed with two major violations (they pose the highest risk of causing food poisoning or foodborne illness) and four minor violations during an inspection on June 27, 2013. They were reinspected on June 28, 2013, and all was well. Then they got hit again on July 8, 2013, and ended up with two more minor violations that both had to do with “unsanitary conditions.”
FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION  |
07/08/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
06/28/2013 |
| The violation(s) rechecked were observed corrected | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
06/27/2013 |
| Improper Holding Temp of PHF (60F-120F), (50F-59F) | |
| Unsanitary Utensil/Equipment Condition | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Evidence of Vermin Activity/Presence of Animals/Insects | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
The Memphis also apparently has a satellite location that got busted too, back in February of this year:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/25/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
01/31/2012 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
Chapter One: the Modern Local, got busted in February too:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/28/2013 |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
The Yost Theatre got busted in January and in March:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
03/28/2013 |
| Evidence of Vermin Activity/Presence of Animals/Insects | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/ImproperJanitorial Facilities or Liq Waste | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION, INITIAL |
02/01/2013 |
| FOOD NOTICE OF VIOLATION (NOV) FOLLOW-UP |
01/03/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
February and March were bad months for The Crosby too:
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION |
03/20/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
03/14/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/28/2013 |
| Improper Cooling Practices | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
The Playground got inspected in March too:
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Inadequate Hygiene (Hair/Clothing/Eating/Drinking) |
Proof had three inspections in January then another one in June:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
06/19/2013 |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Unpermitted Remodel or Failure to Submit Plans | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION |
01/24/2013 |
| Previous inspection report violation(s) corrected | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
01/17/2013 |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
01/09/2013 |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
A complaint was filed against the Gypsy Den in April – then they got inspected again in May:
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION |
05/14/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
04/30/2013 |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
04/23/2013 |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Unapproved Pesticides/Chemicals/Labeling | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION, INITIAL |
04/23/2013 |
The Velvet Lounge was inspected in April too:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
04/26/2013 |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
The Grilled Cheese Spot, which I believe is a joint project of the Playground and the Crosby got hit in April and May too:
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
05/28/2013 |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Signs/Labels/Menu Board/Trans Fat-Missing/Incorrect/Lack of Food Handler Card | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
05/20/2013 |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Water Temp (100F-119F)/Wash Temp <100F/Cross Con | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Signs/Labels/Menu Board/Trans Fat-Missing/Incorrect/Lack of Food Handler Card | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
Original Mike’s was hit with a complaint in April after being inspected in February (and they got a major violation during that inspection):
| Service | Date |
| COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION, INITIAL |
04/22/2013 |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/26/2013 |
| Eating/Drinking/Smoking in Food Storage/Prep Areas | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Lack of/ImproperJanitorial Facilities or Liq Waste | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
The Copper Door changed owners in May then got hit with several inspections:
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION |
05/28/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
05/21/2013 |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
05/02/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup. | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP |
05/02/2013 |
| CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP |
|
Lola Gaspar was inspected twice in March and had two major violations the first time:
| Service | Date |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
03/19/2013 |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
03/12/2013 |
| Improper Cooling Practices | |
| Improper Holding Temp of PHF (60F-120F), (50F-59F) | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
Crave Restaurant took over the location where Tommy Pastrami used to be, back in February. They were inspected several times afterwards:
| FOOD FOLLOW-UP- 2ND+ INSPECTION |
03/13/2013 |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION |
02/27/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/13/2013 |
| Inoperable/Lack of Food Thermometer | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Restroom in Disrepair/Unclean/Improp. Use/Supplies | |
| REINSPECTION SCHEDULED | |
| CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP |
02/13/2013 |
Au Naturaw has only had one inspection:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
02/15/2013 |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
| Change Room Improper Use/Lack of | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate | |
And Bistro 400 has only had one inspection as well:
| ROUTINE INSPECTION |
03/11/2013 |
| Uncleanliness of Premises/Trash Storage | |
| Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain | |
| Lack of/ImproperJanitorial Facilities or Liq Waste | |
| Water Temp (100F-119F)/Wash Temp <100F/Cross Con | |
| Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips | |
| Improper Food Storage/Receiving | |
| Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing | |
| Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings | |
