Kitchen Cops 6/19/08

Three New Hanover County eateries are on this week's Kitchen Cops low performers list. And one restaurant got a second chance with the health inspector. This week's lowest score belongs to a repeat offender: Valino's on Carolina Beach Road, where collards were stored too warm and sausages were too cold. Raw oysters and other seafood were stored above and beside ready-to-eat foods. There were soiled multi-use containers, food prep sink and slicer. And daily detailed cleaning is need on all equipment. A two-point bonus for workers passing a food safety course boosts Valino's score from 79 to 81. To Downtown Wilmington and Water Street Market. Clams were stored in a container of water, and some of them were dead. Crab dip, bleu cheese and goat cheese were stored too warm. Dry goods containers need to be labeled. And the inspector found german cockroaches and rodent droppings. 81 for Water Street Market. To Texas Roadhouse on Eastwood Road, where they need to take care of a fly problem. Several items including kitchen knives, containers and plates were dirty after washing. And paper towels were needed in dispensers. 84.5 for Texas Roadhouse. And a regrade. Last time out, Zorba's in Carolina Beach scored an 82. This time around there were still some problems, including flies in the kitchen and maggots in the utensil drawer, and rice, sauce and gravy were too cold. An eight-point improvement to 90 for Zorba's. Several restaurants earned top marks this week, beginning with Princess Pizza at 204 Princess Street in Wilmington. A comment to move drink storage above the floor, but a perfect 100 plus two points for workers passing a food safety course. The same top score of 102 goes to Jamaica's Comfort Zone in the 400 block of South College Road. And down to Monkey Junction and Portofino Deli. Dry goods need to be stored in sealed containers after they are opened, but still a top score of 102. Faye's Café on Highway 421 North scored a perfect 100. Another place of perfection at Le Catalan on Water Street downtown. A score of 100 as well at PT's Olde Fashioned Grille at 5916 Carolina Beach Road. Across the street, Personal Touch Catering needs to remove debris from around the dumpster, but still scored a 100. Up the road to the Scotchman at 4405 South 17th Street, which also earned perfect marks. And around the corner to Pine Valley Market. A half-point off to fix chipped floor tile and a 99.5.