Kitchen Cops 3/20/08

Health inspectors found enough problems at three Brunswick County eateries for them to be low performers in this week's Kitchen Cops report.

This week's lowest score belongs to the Waffle House on Whiteville Road in Shallotte. Five points off because there was no sanitizer made up. Ham was too warm in the cooler and grits were too cool in the warmer. And two points off because there was a large black widow spider beside the ice machine. Eight violations in all, plus a two-point bonus for workers passing a food safety course and a score of 84.5 for Waffle House.

Staying in Shallotte and the Port City Java on Main Street. Milk was too warm in the display. Coffee mugs at the counter were dusty and need to be cleaned and sanitized. And there were many gnats and fruit flies in all the cabinets with floor drains and around the flavored syrups. Ten violations and an 85. A quick turn around on a regrade. Nine days later, there were still a few cleaning issues. But an improvement to 96.5.

Finally to Ocean Isle Beach and Salty McDoogle's. There were live roaches near the water heater and beside the two-door freezer. Utensils and pans need to be stored properly. And several things need cleaning. 87 for Salty McDoogle's.

One Brunswick County restaurant made this week's Kitchen Cops high performers list. The top score belongs to Groucho's Deli at 497 Olde Waterford Way in Leland. A half-point off because the floor needs some cleaning. Add back two points for workers passing a food safety course for a score of 101.5.