Jacksonville, Fla. - The Lemongrass Asian Bistro is located on State Road 16 right around the corner from the Outlet Mall in Saint Augustine. The restaurant has been open for about two years now. When we went in to ask manager, Andy about the roach problem the state health inspector recently documented in a state report - he denied it - at first. He claims the restaurant was NOT recently shut down temporarily to clean. The state report shows quite the opposite - you can see that by
clicking here. Dead and live roaches were found in the kitchen. This isn't the first time in the past 6 months the restaurant has been issued an emergency order and temporarily shut down. In March the inspector found live and dead roaches forcing the restaurant to close the doors for a day to clean. You can see that
report here. In this recent inspection, the restaurant was also using grocery and take out bags to store raw meat.
Looking around the kitchen we only saw one live roach which Andy took care of - with his shoe. He finally admitted that they did have a small issue with the insects but he says it has been taken care of.
Back to the grocery and take out bags - we asked, "Were you using take out bags to store raw chicken and meat?" Andy replied, "No... well, just for one." We asked, "Why would you even use it for one?" Andy said, "We uh, we make an order.... uh...." He did not have any other explanation other than to say they have placed an order for the correct storage for raw meat and will not be using to-go bags for this purpose in the future.
Here are the other restaurants at the top of the list this week for critical violations:
Las Tapatio in Jacksonville had 14 critical violations including live roaches and an expired license.
You can see that report by clicking here.
At Amici Italian Restaurant in Saint Augustine there were 14 critical violations including an ashtray with old cigarettes and live roaches.
You can click here to see that report.
The following places had perfect health inspections and get our clean plate award this week.
Ann O'Malleys Deli & Pub: Saint Augustine
Saint Johns Greyhound Park: Jax
Rack'em up Billiards: Jax
Firehouse Subs Catering Location: Jax
