Popular restaurant in The Villages in violation over employee cleanliness issues

[dhdallas]

A popular restaurant in The Villages was found in violation last month with regard to employee cleanliness issues. An inspector paid a visit Dec. 28 to Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill at Colony Plaza and found three high-priority violations. The owner of Fiesta Grande at Colony Plaza has opened a second restaurant in The Villages. The restaurant, also called Fiesta Grande, is located at Brownwood Paddock Square.
- January 14, 2021, Meta Minton

[Stu from NYC]

We ate there a few weeks ago and enjoyed the food but wonder what these violations were for?

[Two Bills]

An employee handled soiled dishes and then handled clean dishes without first doing the necessary hand washing
The second high-priority violation was for single-use gloves not being changed as needed after changing tasks.

The third high-priority violation was in regard to salsa that was sitting at 71 degrees at a server station. The violation was corrected on site when staff moved the salsa to a refrigerator.

Other violations found that day included an employee beverage found on a food preparation table and a spray bottle containing a toxic substance that was not labled.

Sounds just like our kichen at home. maybe better!

[kansasr]

Heaven forbid one of these inspectors come to our house!

If this is all that they found, and given my experience dining at this restaurant I'm certain they've dealt with the issues and made corrections, I will dine comfortably there on my next visit.

It's bad enough when reports like this are 'front page' news on the "other site". They really don't need to be copied and pasted here IMHO.

[coffeebean]

Keeps my immune system humming at full speed.

[Dana1963]

A popular restaurant in The Villages was found in violation last month with regard to employee cleanliness issues. An inspector paid a visit Dec. 28 to Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill at Colony Plaza and found three high-priority violations. The owner of Fiesta Grande at Colony Plaza has opened a second restaurant in The Villages. The restaurant, also called Fiesta Grande, is located at Brownwood Paddock Square.
- January 14, 2021, Meta Minton
Seem to be minor easily corrected.
No roaches, rat droppings a plus

[retiredguy123]

An employee handled soiled dishes and then handled clean dishes without first doing the necessary hand washing
The second high-priority violation was for single-use gloves not being changed as needed after changing tasks.

The third high-priority violation was in regard to salsa that was sitting at 71 degrees at a server station. The violation was corrected on site when staff moved the salsa to a refrigerator.

Other violations found that day included an employee beverage found on a food preparation table and a spray bottle containing a toxic substance that was not labled.

Sounds just like our kichen at home. maybe better!
So, if the salsa was not properly refrigerated and someone got food poisoning, that seems like a significant violation. If an employee puts the salsa in the refrigerator when the inspector points it out, how does that solve anything? Did the inspector verify the amount of time the salsa was not properly refrigerated, and that it was safe to use? If not, why didn't they throw it away? Everybody eats the salsa in a Mexican restaurant.

[Bogie Shooter]

So, if the salsa was not properly refrigerated and someone got food poisoning, that seems like a significant violation. If an employee puts the salsa in the refrigerator when the inspector points it out, how does that solve anything? Did the inspector verify the amount of time the salsa was not properly refrigerated, and that it was safe to use? If not, why didn't they throw it away? Everybody eats the salsa in a Mexican restaurant.

Aren't these questions for the Health Department???

[retiredguy123]

Aren't these questions for the Health Department???
I don't think they would answer the question. If this is a high priority violation, it seems to me that food not properly refrigerated should be discarded.

[Two Bills]

F the salsa. What about the beverage on the prep surface!
Sounds really dangerous to me!!:icon_wink:

[JerryLBell]

A popular restaurant in The Villages was found in violation last month with regard to employee cleanliness issues. An inspector paid a visit Dec. 28 to Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill at Colony Plaza and found three high-priority violations. The owner of Fiesta Grande at Colony Plaza has opened a second restaurant in The Villages. The restaurant, also called Fiesta Grande, is located at Brownwood Paddock Square.
- January 14, 2021, Meta Minton
Man, we must be wimps here in The Villages. Back in North Carolina, a "high-priority violation" usually involved dead rats, cockroaches and feces, all in abundance. I read what the actual violations were and while I would prefer that had done none of them, they all seemed relatively minor to me. I've eaten there and will again (unless I like the one in Brownwood better, now that it's open).

[RaunchyRich]

Makes your system stronger to fight off Covid19.... better than the vaccine

[Eg_cruz]

A popular restaurant in The Villages was found in violation last month with regard to employee cleanliness issues. An inspector paid a visit Dec. 28 to Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill at Colony Plaza and found three high-priority violations. The owner of Fiesta Grande at Colony Plaza has opened a second restaurant in The Villages. The restaurant, also called Fiesta Grande, is located at Brownwood Paddock Square.
- January 14, 2021, Meta Minton
I alway wonder why people post things like this. Vague information .....why
What kind of response were you hoping for. Throw negative info and see what sticks.....just curious

[Mrmean58]

So, if the salsa was not properly refrigerated and someone got food poisoning, that seems like a significant violation. If an employee puts the salsa in the refrigerator when the inspector points it out, how does that solve anything? Did the inspector verify the amount of time the salsa was not properly refrigerated, and that it was safe to use? If not, why didn't they throw it away? Everybody eats the salsa in a Mexican restaurant.

Welcome everyone to the next round of the "what if game".
After working in the restaurant business for years, the health inspector would have thrown away the salsa if tainted and classified the violation as major due to contaminated food.

[nick demis]

Obviously the people making negative comments have never watch Kitchen Nightmares.

[HeleneGB]

I'm ordering take out from them today. These violations are ridiculous.

[crash]

So, if the salsa was not properly refrigerated and someone got food poisoning, that seems like a significant violation. If an employee puts the salsa in the refrigerator when the inspector points it out, how does that solve anything? Did the inspector verify the amount of time the salsa was not properly refrigerated, and that it was safe to use? If not, why didn't they throw it away? Everybody eats the salsa in a Mexican restaurant.

Look where you buy your salsa, on the shelf not the refrigerator. Not a big deal for food safety to leave salsa out for a while after opening.

[richs631]

Heaven forbid one of these inspectors come to our house!

If this is all that they found, and given my experience dining at this restaurant I'm certain they've dealt with the issues and made corrections, I will dine comfortably there on my next visit.

It's bad enough when reports like this are 'front page' news on the "other site". They really don't need to be copied and pasted here IMHO.

I agree with you 100%. These were minor issues in every restaurant. And the “other site” is a total rag. They NEVER have anything good to say about the villages

[Bay Kid]

Perfection coming soon.

[justjim]

Why throw the OP under the Bus? Have there been worse health inspections reported on this site? Of course. I’m thankful we have health inspectors who do their jobs and it’s likely they are understaffed. Keep up the good work and know that most of us our thankful for your work of keeping us safe as possible.

[Hape2Bhr]

Obviously the people making negative comments have never watch Kitchen Nightmares.

LOL...many years ago while between jobs, I worked as a helper for a large food service company delivering to restaurants, hospitals, schools, etc. Early one morning we delivered to an Asian restaurant (basement entrance). I could not believe the three, two foot metal bowls, filled with cooked rice. I'll skip what accompanied the rice! :(

[gesivad]

Great. Maybe this will reduce the crowds and I can get in quicker.

[Buckeye Bleau]

Most people look at these violations as a danger sign. The reality is that the Health inspectors job is to find something wrong. They are not leaving that business until they do find things to write down. Are these things listed areas of concern but seriously folks this is ridiculous to concern yourself with. As one person stated, thank goodness he does not come to your house then publish it.
How absolutely terrible that the person who started this posted this information, shame on you.
Businesses and restaurants are struggling to stay afloat and you post this, shame on you.

[NoMo50]

For gosh sakes, if this is your end-of-the-world scenario, don't ever eat in a real Mexican restaurant...like...in Mexico!

[jbrown132]

So, if the salsa was not properly refrigerated and someone got food poisoning, that seems like a significant violation. If an employee puts the salsa in the refrigerator when the inspector points it out, how does that solve anything? Did the inspector verify the amount of time the salsa was not properly refrigerated, and that it was safe to use? If not, why didn't they throw it away? Everybody eats the salsa in a Mexican restaurant.

It depends on how much citrus is in the salsa. The more citrus the longer it can be out without going bad. How long had the salsa been out? Do you know? Been to many a Super Bowl parties where the salsa has been out for hours and no one I know ever got sick from it. With regards to the restaurant, I have eaten there since 2010 probably two to three times a month. The owner and staff are friendly, the food is always good and I have never gotten sick. Things like this happens in every restaurant especially when they get busy and this restaurant is always busy at this time of year.

[virtualcynthia]

Stupid violations.
You should try their Molcajete. It’s delicious. It’s like a beef stew and served in a hot molcajete. The food stays hot till the very last bite. My husband and I share one.

[stadalberts]

An employee handled soiled dishes and then handled clean dishes without first doing the necessary hand washing
The second high-priority violation was for single-use gloves not being changed as needed after changing tasks.

The third high-priority violation was in regard to salsa that was sitting at 71 degrees at a server station. The violation was corrected on site when staff moved the salsa to a refrigerator.

Other violations found that day included an employee beverage found on a food preparation table and a spray bottle containing a toxic substance that was not labled.

Sounds just like our kichen at home. maybe better!
Well, fire everybody.....I guess.

[merrymini]

Tomato based products have a lot of acid and unlikely to turn, hence the ketchup on the table at restaurants, salsa included.

[Mfrench]

An employee handled soiled dishes and then handled clean dishes without first doing the necessary hand washing
The second high-priority violation was for single-use gloves not being changed as needed after changing tasks.

The third high-priority violation was in regard to salsa that was sitting at 71 degrees at a server station. The violation was corrected on site when staff moved the salsa to a refrigerator.

Other violations found that day included an employee beverage found on a food preparation table and a spray bottle containing a toxic substance that was not labled.

Sounds just like our kichen at home. maybe better!
I am so sick of the trolls in the Villages. The so-called infractions were minor and didn’t have to be reported to the public! In my opinion it appears these food inspectors should only be required to notify the restaurants of the violations and they should be kept confidential!! What is the editor of this site trying to do?!! Put our local restaurants out of business?? They are struggling as it is to survive. If a restaurant is ordered to close because iof dangerous proven conditions , sure, let us know, but stop reporting such minor problems until they are proven to be seriously hazardous to our health. You are acting like the trolls who cruise around neighborhoods causing trouble for residents!

[EviesGP]

I agree with many...as I worked in restaurants in my youth, these are quite minor infractions.

Let's see, touching clean and dirty dishes? How about when you're doing dishes at home?

A beverage near the food counter? Again, home?

Salsa left out? How about when you hosted a gathering? Did you make sure to keep putting away the dip(s), when people weren't actively partaking?

Just a thought...

[Two Bills]

I am so sick of the trolls in the Villages. The so-called infractions were minor and didn’t have to be reported to the public! In my opinion it appears these food inspectors should only be required to notify the restaurants of the violations and they should be kept confidential!! What is the editor of this site trying to do?!! Put our local restaurants out of business?? They are struggling as it is to survive. If a restaurant is ordered to close because iof dangerous proven conditions , sure, let us know, but stop reporting such minor problems until they are proven to be seriously hazardous to our health. You are acting like the trolls who cruise around neighborhoods causing trouble for residents!

Whoa!!
I never opened the thread.
I answered a posters question as to what were the infractions.
I am not having a pop at the restaurant, thats why I likened it to our kitchen at home!
Jobsworth looking for trouble is my take on the inspector.

[Two Bills]

Well, fire everybody.....I guess.

I thought about firing the wife, but it would cost to much!:icon_wink:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I like their food. And I don't like my salsa "cold." I like it room temperature. I don't refrigerate mine right away when I make it for myself, it can stay out of the fridge for a few hours before you have to give it a quick stir and re-chill it.

[OhioBuckeye]

A popular restaurant in The Villages was found in violation last month with regard to employee cleanliness issues. An inspector paid a visit Dec. 28 to Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill at Colony Plaza and found three high-priority violations. The owner of Fiesta Grande at Colony Plaza has opened a second restaurant in The Villages. The restaurant, also called Fiesta Grande, is located at Brownwood Paddock Square.
- January 14, 2021, Meta Minton

You don’t really think this cleanliness thing is something that just now popped up do you? I believe a while back I heard a comment that some young waiter with long fingernails had his fingernails in someone’s food. Not all people these restaurants don’t have bad hygiene. But it really strange that 10, 20 & 30 yrs. ago it was just as bad or maybe worse & nobody ever complained about it!

[jarodrig]

There is no single restaurant, high end , low end , etc......, that will pass an unannounced health inspection each and every time.......

Stay home with your masks on if you feel uncomfortable !!

[brines]

Ate there last week nothing stood out to me in a bad way of course i wasnt in the kitchen area.Went to Mezza Luna italian restaurant in colony plaza today and was very impressed with quality of food at great prices,definely going back there

[stebooo]

Hey two bills where did you get that specific data?

[Two Bills]

Hey two bills where did you get that specific data?

Yesterdays **************. the online alternative newspaper.
It loves to play up anything anti Villagees.

[Bay Kid]

There is a reason most restaurant kitchens are hidden from view.

[gpkk_2000]

I, for one, am not disturbed by the violations. Salsa is tomato based, which is acidic so I think it is safe - at least for me - your opinion should dictate what works for you.

I know how busy the place is but I wish they would close for a day or two and freshen the restaurant and bathrooms with new paint and décor it needs it desperately.

[coffeebean]

Look where you buy your salsa, on the shelf not the refrigerator. Not a big deal for food safety to leave salsa out for a while after opening.

Packaged foods, and that includes glass jars, that are not refrigerated often say to "Refrigerate after opening". I would imagine those foods are vacuum packed to preserve freshness. Once opened, they need refrigeration.

I'll still go back to Fiesta Grande. I highly recommend their Beef Fajita Bruschetta. The pineapple and the white cheese melted on top is what makes that dish out of this world.

[J1ceasar]

The fact that the salsa was sitting out at seventy-one degrees and then put back in the refrigerator gives me a lot of cause not to ever go there that's a prime way of getting people sick which is what the inspections are all about. I certainly don't mind cutting and pasting as we all don't read six different websites every day. The truth is most restaurants will have some minor violations. This is Florida it's hot they were flies and most places have unskilled labor at low education levels that don't understand all of the do's and don'ts of sanitary production of food

[Marathon Man]

I am so sick of the trolls in the Villages. The so-called infractions were minor and didn’t have to be reported to the public! In my opinion it appears these food inspectors should only be required to notify the restaurants of the violations and they should be kept confidential!! What is the editor of this site trying to do?!! Put our local restaurants out of business?? They are struggling as it is to survive. If a restaurant is ordered to close because iof dangerous proven conditions , sure, let us know, but stop reporting such minor problems until they are proven to be seriously hazardous to our health. You are acting like the trolls who cruise around neighborhoods causing trouble for residents!

Too much coffee??

[justjim]

Heaven forbid one of these inspectors come to our house!

If this is all that they found, and given my experience dining at this restaurant I'm certain they've dealt with the issues and made corrections, I will dine comfortably there on my next visit.

It's bad enough when reports like this are 'front page' news on the "other site". They really don't need to be copied and pasted here IMHO.

Not a fan of big Government, but I’m a big fan of health inspections of places where I eat. I suspect the health inspector’s are underpaid and understaffed. inspect on!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I remember growing up the diner on the corner had the greatest food , I think it was because of the ashes from the cooks cigarette dropping from his mouth , Relsx people we’ve come a long way from those days and I agree these infractions did need to be posted