Popular San Antonio Restaurant Found with Live Pests in Kitchen

Surprising Discovery during Health Inspection

In a shocking turn of events, live pests were discovered in the kitchen of a renowned San Antonio restaurant during a recent health inspection. Lauded for its delectable cuisine and vibrant ambiance, this location has been a culinary cornerstone within the local community, which makes this revelation all the more startling.

In September 2024, an unanticipated inspection resulted in the discovery of the pests, and in an unsound practice of storing clean dishes on the floor. The discovery was certainly unsettling, particularly in light of the establishment’s revered reputation.

Blanco Cafe Faces Stiff Health Violations

The establishment in question, Blanco Cafe, located at 1720 Blanco Road, was scrutinized in a follow-up inspection almost two weeks after the initial disturbing findings. In the first inspection, the restaurant garnered an unsettling score of 83, its lowest in the past five years according to Metro Health.

Blanco Cafe’s Manager, Sylvia Gonzalez displayed a noticeable shock at the initial findings during the August inspection. In addition to the live pests found near the restaurant’s refrigerator and the improperly stored dishes, several cooks were discovered to lack the necessary certification.

Swift Action Taken by Management

In an attempt to quickly rectify the situation and assuage any anxieties, Blanco Cafe initiated immediate corrective action. Implementing pest control measures just a day after the initial inspection, management displayed Thur receipt as proof of their swift course correction. All staff certifications were updated, and a dish cart was procured to ensure hygienic storage of clean dishes.

When interviewed, the manager addressed the restaurant’s patrons stating that while the discovery was indeed alarming, significant measures have been taken to rectify the situation and ensure it doesn’t repeat itself.

Other San Antonio Establishments on the Radar

Blanco Cafe is not the only establishment to experience such scrutiny as of late. Beer King, a convenience store, also found itself under similar reinspection after two live pests were discovered on their ice machine and within a sink compartment. Additional reports of pest droppings beneath the store’s soda machine have also been noted.

Moreover, J’Anthony’s Seafood Cafe, another San Antonio establishment, was tagged for two repeat violations during an August 2024 inspection. These included the inability to process food handler certifications during the inspection and finding a few dead roaches underneath the cook line.

Implication of Inspection Results

The incidence of such violations in well-established locations raises serious questions about the overall standards of food safety and hygiene in San Antonio. For diners, the shocking discoveries might cast a shadow of doubt over the safety of their meals. Metro Health continues to maintain their vigilance by keeping a keen eye on inspections and health scores, ensuring food safety standards are upheld.

From these incidents, it is clear that food establishments, big and small, need to prioritize the upkeep of safety and hygiene standards to ensure the experience of a safe, savory, and enjoyable meal for every patron.

Understanding the gravity of the situations, the implicated establishments have stated their commitment towards remedying their hygiene issues and upgrading their certification requirements. As they strive to win back the confidence of their patrons, one thing is clear: diligence in maintaining strict hygiene standards must herald as the top-most priority across all establishments.