I AM LATIN CAFE
2022 Northwest 21st Avenue
Miami, Florida, 33142
Miami-Dade County County
Overall Food Safety Rating
★★☆☆☆ (2.2/5)
Based on 8 health inspection reports
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All Inspection Reports
Inspection on 3/19/2025
High Priority
2
Intermediate
2
Basic
9
Total
13
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Repeat Violation
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in a container of cooked pork. The manager removed it. Corrected On-Site
- 36-37-5:Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
- 12B-07-4:Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed a half empty bottle of Gatorade on the prep table across from the hot box. The manager discarded the bottle. Corrected On-Site
- 31B-04-4:Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed at the front counter. The operator put up a sign. Corrected On-Site
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the reach in cooler gasket soiled at the kitchen entrance.
- 14-17-4:Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
- 42-01-4:Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Repeat Violation
- 21-07-4:Basic - Wiping cloth chlorine sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Observed the wiping cloths in water. The manager added bleach and it is 100 ppms. Corrected On-Site
- 08A-04-5:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed shell eggs over broccoli in the upright cooler next to the hot box. The manager put the eggs on the bottom shelf. Corrected On-Site
- 03B-01-6:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken (125F); yellow rice (128F) in the hot box. As per the manager the food was put in the box approximately 3 hours ago. The manager turned up the hot box temperature. **Corrective Action Taken**
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the cutting boards soiled at the kitchen entrance.
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed ice in the hand washing sink at the front counter.
Food safety inspection conducted on 3/19/2025 revealed 13 total violations (2 high priority, 2 intermediate, 9 basic).
Inspection on 1/9/2025
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
6
Total
6
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in the ice chute of ice machine. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-09: On 1/09/2025, at the time of the callback inspection Observed mold like substance in the ice chute of ice machine. Warning **Time Extended**
- 14-74-7:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk in cooler #1 with an ambient temperature of 47F. Observed raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork at a temperature of 48F inside walk in cooler #1. Manager moved all the products to walk in cooler #2 to ensure correct temperature, and called a technician fix walk in cooler #1. **Corrective Action Taken** Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-09: On 1/09/2025, at the time of the callback inspection walk in cooler #1 has an ambient temperature of 50°F. As per manager the walk in cooler #1 has a leak and they are working on it. No potential hazard foods in cooler #1. They are using walk in cooler #2 in the mean time. **Time Extended**
- 36-68-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Hood system with grease Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-09: On 1/09/2025, at the time of the callback inspection Hood system is still with grease. Warning **Time Extended**
- 14-69-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-09: On 1/09/2025, at the time of the callback inspection ice buildup inside walk in freezer **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed excessive grease on kitchen equipment as well as excessive dirt/food debris on Reach in Coolers throughout the restaurant. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-09: On 1/09/2025, at the time of the callback inspection Observed excessive grease on kitchen equipment as well as excessive dirt/food debris on Reach in Coolers throughout the restaurant. Warning **Time Extended**
- 21-12-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet cloth on top of the preparation table. Manager put it inside the sanitizer bucket. Corrected On-Site Warning - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-09: On 1/09/2025, at the time of the callback inspection Wet cloth on top of the preparation table. Manager put it inside the sanitizer bucket. ** Warning **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 1/9/2025 revealed 6 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 6 basic).
Inspection on 1/7/2025
High Priority
1
Intermediate
1
Basic
9
Total
11
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold like substance in the ice chute of ice machine. Warning
- 14-74-7:Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed walk in cooler #1 with an ambient temperature of 47°F. Observed raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork at a temperature of 48°F inside walk in cooler #1. Manager moved all the products to walk in cooler #2 to ensure correct temperature, and called a technician fix walk in cooler #1. **Corrective Action Taken** Warning
- 36-68-5:Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Hood system with grease Warning
- 14-69-4:Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Warning
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed excessive grease on kitchen equipment as well as excessive dirt/food debris on Reach in Coolers throughout the restaurant. Repeat Violation Warning
- 16-05-4:Basic - Wash/Rinse/Sanitizing solution not maintained clean. Observed dirty sanitizer water in 3 compartment sink. Warning
- 42-01-4:Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed mop stored inside mop bucket. Warning
- 21-12-4:Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Wet cloth on top of the preparation table. Manager put it inside the sanitizer bucket. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple plastic bottles in use with no label in kitchen area. Warning
- 03A-02-5:High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken, raw beef and raw pork at a temperature of 48°F inside walk in cooler #1 for less than 2/hrs. Manager moved all the products to walk in cooler #2 to ensure correct temperature. **Corrective Action Taken** Warning
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken and beef held for more than 24/hrs inside walk in cooler with no date marked on containers. Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 1/7/2025 revealed 11 total violations (1 high priority, 1 intermediate, 9 basic).
Inspection on 7/17/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
1
Basic
7
Total
8
Inspection Details:
- 36-32-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed Ceiling tile in disrepair by walk in cooler. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed Ceiling tile in disrepair by walk in cooler. **Time Extended**
- 36-34-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen. **Time Extended**
- 14-09-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed Cutting boards with cut marks at preparation table. Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed Cutting boards with cut marks at preparation table. Repeat Violation **Time Extended**
- 10-20-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line. **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filter soiled at kitchen. Observed dry storage shelves soiled at kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filter soiled at kitchen. Observed dry storage shelves soiled at kitchen. **Time Extended**
- 22-16-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in freezer by cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in freezer by cook line. **Time Extended**
- 14-33-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at kitchen. **Time Extended**
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled by 3 compartment sink. Observed slicer at preparation table soiled at kitchen. Observed griller soiled at kitchen. Observed soiled utensils at preparation table next to cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-17: Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled by 3 compartment sink. Observed slicer at preparation table soiled at kitchen. Observed griller soiled at kitchen. Observed soiled utensils at preparation table next to cook line. **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 7/17/2024 revealed 8 total violations (0 high priority, 1 intermediate, 7 basic).
Inspection on 7/17/2024
High Priority
1
Intermediate
2
Basic
7
Total
10
Inspection Details:
- 23-24-4:Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles.
- 36-32-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed throughout kitchen area.
- 36-34-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed throughout kitchen.
- 06-09-1:Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hand sink soiled across from cook line. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Observed hood soiled / dripping grease.
- 06-01-5:Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef loin thawing at room temperature in kitchen. Educated operator on proper food thawing procedures.
- 14-17-4:Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored over washed vegetables in reach in cooler in kitchen.
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board soiled.
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. At the time of the inspection observed cooked chicken in sauce. As per owner items were prepared more than twenty four hours ago.
Food safety inspection conducted on 7/17/2024 revealed 10 total violations (1 high priority, 2 intermediate, 7 basic).
Inspection on 4/3/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
8
Basic
17
Total
25
Disposition: Follow-up Inspection Required
Inspection Details:
- 14-01-5:Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle use to dispense rice at cook line.
- 36-32-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed Ceiling tile in disrepair by walk in cooler.
- 36-34-5:Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen.
- 14-09-4:Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed Cutting boards with cut marks at preparation table. Repeat Violation
- 35B-01-4:Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at door by walk in cooler.
- 36-73-4:Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed Floor soiled at kitchen area.
- 08B-47-4:Basic - Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed swai at walk in cooler not stored at 6 inches off of the floor.
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed at cook line.
- 22-08-4:Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed oven soiled at cook line.
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Hood filter soiled at kitchen. Observed dry storage shelves soiled at kitchen.
- 22-16-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at reach in freezer by cook line.
- 14-33-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at kitchen.
- 08B-12-5:Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed Uncover beef and chicken at reach in cooler by the kitchen entrance. Employee covered them. Corrected On-Site
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled behind preparation table next to cook line
- 42-01-4:Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
- 21-12-4:Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed throughout the kitchen.
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed No label at rice container across from cook line.
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener soiled by 3 compartment sink. Observed slicer at preparation table soiled at kitchen. Observed griller soiled at kitchen. Observed soiled utensils at preparation table next to cook line.
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed spoon inside Handsink across from cook line.
- 53A-01-7:Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed Raul Castillo expired on 1/11/2024.
- 16-37-1:Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
- 53B-02-5:Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Eddie Chavez worked for more than 60 days.
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Provided via email. Repeat Violation
- 02C-02-5:Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked black beans, cooked pork and cooked yellow rice not date marked at walk in cooler for more than 24 hours.
- 53B-14-5:Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Obseved Mauricio Alvarado expired 9/17/2018.
Food safety inspection conducted on 4/3/2024 revealed 25 total violations (0 high priority, 8 intermediate, 17 basic).
Inspection on 11/9/2023
High Priority
1
Intermediate
2
Basic
4
Total
7
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed at the front counter. Repeat Violation
- 36-37-5:Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
- 14-09-4:Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed at the sandwich station and kitchen.
- 21-09-4:Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed on the cutting board at the sandwich station.
- 08A-05-6:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed beef over bread in the walk in cooler. The manager moved the beef to another cooler. Corrected On-Site
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at the hand washing sink next to the cutting board. The manager brought towels. Corrected On-Site
- 11-26-1:Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Form provided. **Corrective Action Taken**
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/9/2023 revealed 7 total violations (1 high priority, 2 intermediate, 4 basic).
Inspection on 11/9/2023
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
1
Total
1
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 22-20-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-11-09: Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Warning **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/9/2023 revealed 1 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 1 basic).