By DON DARE
Food for Thought Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Two local restaurants had failing health inspection grades this week. Similar critical violations showed up at the restaurants.
Though they were checked by different inspectors, problems with hygiene and food temperature were found. Those are two items that are closely watched.
Market Café at the Knoxville Hilton Hotel, 501 W. Church Ave. - Grade: 64
A score below 70 is what the health department considers unsanitary.
The inspector writes that meat loaf, which had been made the day before the inspection, had been held at only 125 degrees before it was re-heated.
Warm food must be kept at 140 degrees and above to keep the growth of bacteria in check.
The meat loaf was thrown out.
Another problem with temperature was in the restaurant's risotto. It was at 63 degrees. Again, it's supposed to be served hot at 140 degrees and above.
The risotto was also thrown away.
The inspector reports watching a kitchen worker wipe his hands on a dirty rag, then he returned to preparing food without washing his hands.
Zoe's Kitchen, 6638 Kingston Pike - Grade: 66
Here too, food temperatures were off. Turkey and feta spread were not cold enough. Cold items are supposed to be 41 degrees and below.
The inspector found kitchen equipment that had not been sanitized. He writes a chemical spay cleaner was stored with utensils, that's not allowed.
The restaurant had a plumbing problem that needed repairs.
Top grades of the week
- Riviera Theater, 510 South Gay Street - Grade: 99
- Starbucks at the Knoxville Hilton, 501 W. Church Ave. - Grade 99
- Old City Java, 109 S Central St. - Grade: 94
- Burger King, 1605 Schaeffer Road near Lovell Road, Grade: 94
- The Casual Pint, 421 Union Avenue - Grade: 94
- EB's Eats and Treats, 4620 Mill Branch Lane - Grade 93
- Hooters, 5005 Central Avenue Pike - Grade: 92
- Coyote Joe's, 5640 Clinton Highway - Grade: 92
Remember, health inspection reports are public record. That's how Food for Thought gets them. You can find them at your county health department.
Don Dare presents Food for Thought every Thursday on 6 News at 6:00
6 On Your Side reporter Don Dare reports on the latest restaurant inspections by the Knox County Health Department every Thursday on 6 News at 6:00.
