Dirty Dining Report: Arizona’s Restaurant Underbelly Exposed
Welcome to the sizzling and sometimes squirm-inducing world of dining out in the Valley! If you think you’re safe from food faux pas, think again. This week, we dive into Maricopa County’s recent inspections to uncover some surprising culinary catastrophes lurking behind restaurant doors. Buckle in, food lovers—it’s time for the Dirty Dining Report!
Don’t Let These Violations Spoil Your Appetite!
Bing Bistro: A Rocky Start in Scottsdale
Nestled on Hayden Road, Bing Bistro serves up more than just Asian fusion—unfortunately, it also serves up some major health code violations. Recent inspections revealed:
- No certified food manager on staff, which is like running a kitchen without a pilot!
- Dishware not receiving the TLC it should, leading to potential cross-contamination.
- A sorrowful state of bok choy and fried rice left hanging out of temperature.
These violations leave much to be desired for your evening out!
Mercer and Little Pickle: A Mixed Bag of Violations
At the heart of Phoenix, Mercer and Little Pickle has been mixing it up lately—but not in a good way. Inspectors flagged:
- Raw bacon perched perilously above ready-to-eat foods—a recipe for potential foodborne disaster.
- A cheese and milk party happening at improper temperatures, where they definitely shouldn’t be!
- Containers of broccolini and butter missing date markings, leaving their freshness open to question.
Consider this a cautionary tale for your next brunch outing!
Subway: The Cold Cuts Conundrum
A sandwich with no chill? That’s exactly what inspectors found at Subway in Peoria, where the deli meats were anything but cool. Additional worries included:
- A food prep sink doing double duty draining improperly into a mop sink—yikes!
- Dim lighting in the walk-in fridge which is hardly ideal for food safety.
- Exposed drain pipes—definitely not what one wants to see in a dining establishment.
El Jefe Tacos: A Tasty Mess in Tempe
El Jefe Tacos, a beacon of Mexican flavor on E University Drive, has some explaining to do. Violations included:
- Raw beef callously placed on top of salsas—imagine the risk!
- Cooked beans missing vital heat and rolled tacos as cool as a cucumber—just not the right kind!
- An oversight with date markings on delicious carne asada and carnitas—food safety isn’t just a suggestion!
Filiberto’s Mexican Food: A Kitchen Nightmare
Over at Filiberto’s in Chandler, the scene was less than savory, featuring:
- No soap at a hand wash sink, which is like a chef without a knife.
- Raw chicken stored above fresh lettuce—no thank you, please!
- Improperly cooling beans and boxes of meats slumped on the floor of the cooler; not an appetizing sight.
The Bright Side: A Dean’s List of Dining Delight
But not all is lost! There are still hidden gems tucked away that have passed the health inspection tests with flying colors. Here’s a quick peek at some of the Dean’s List champions you can trust for your next culinary adventure:
- Country Boys Restaurant: Known for its down-home comfort food.
- Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ: Finger-licking goodness that’s worth every bite!
- Barrio Queen: A fiesta of flavors, from tacos to tamales—consider this your safe haven.
Dining out is a delicious adventure filled with flavor, culture, and sometimes danger! While it’s essential to enjoy the culinary landscape of Arizona, keep your eyes peeled for the signs and stories behind your favorite spots. Here’s hoping your next meal is inspired and on the Dean’s List! 🍽️
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Bio: Talia brings a background in health journalism and holistic living to help readers live better, one tip at a time.