DENVER — In this week’s Restaurant Report Card, a Lowry restaurant earns an F for live and dead roaches.
Asian Café
The Asian Café’ located in Aurora is under new ownership, but some old uninvited guests might have stayed behind.
The restaurant at 596 Dayton Street earned an F on our Restaurant Report Card for 15 critical health code violations in its last two routine inspections.
In last year’s inspection, health experts found dead cockroaches on the floor and “several cockroaches were observed by the back hand sink.” Inspectors also found “soap was not available” and the “hand sink (was) unaccessible for hand washing.”
In October, Tri County Health inspectors found “the person-in-charge failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge…of critical food temperatures.” That may explain why “raw eggs were 76 degrees Fahrenheit, raw shrimp was 57 degrees” and “a box of raw beef was 50 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Colorado statue says the food should be kept at 41 degrees to prevent bacteria from growing. The inspector also noted the wok, range and fryers were soiled with food debris.
We asked the owner if there was still have a roach problem in here? A man who identified himself only as Roger said, “No, we don’t.” Roger said he inherited the roaches from the previous owner, but said they are gone now and all the other violations have been corrected.
Ted’s Montana Grill
Next, we hit Ted’s Montana Grill in Aurora where the F could stand for flies.
Health inspectors cited the restaurant for nine critical violations in October and 10 critical violations in March.
In October, inspectors said, “Numerous flies were observed in the kitchen.” Health experts also said, “An employee was handling a spice shaker after handling raw meat, then another employee touched the shaker and then a…bun.”
In March, inspectors noted that foods that are supposed to be kept below 41 degrees, such as raw eggs, were held at 62 degrees, sweet butter was 69 degrees and coleslaw was 55 degrees. Also, the inspections noted that there was no hot water in one sink and another sink was blocked.
The restaurant’s director of operations, Chris Cantwell, said all the violations have been corrected and they have put stricter standards into place.
“We are taking this very seriously. We are 100 percent committed to any requirements that the health departments have and we continually drive and validate what’s happening in the restaurant.” Cantwell said.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
The A plus goes to Chipotle Mexican Grill at 7350 East Hampden Avenue for no violations in its last two inspections.
Edwin Garcia, Chipotle’s general manager gave credit to his employees.
“The secret over here is to have the right people.” Garcia said.
