LA PALAPA RESTAURANT SEAFOOD & GRILL
3820 NW 36 ST
Overall Food Safety Rating
★★☆☆☆ (2.4/5)
Based on 6 health inspection reports
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All Inspection Reports
Inspection on 1/22/2025
High Priority
0
Intermediate
1
Basic
8
Total
9
Inspection Details:
- 50-09-4:Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
- 14-11-5:Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gaskets torn.
- 14-38-4:Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed white storage containers with crack lids. Repeat Violation
- 21-04-4:Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood with accumulated grease.
- 29-49-6:Basic - Observed standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
- 16-46-4:Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels stuck on containers of yuca, ground beef, ribs.
- 14-33-4:Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager arrived during the inspection. Repeat Violation
Food safety inspection conducted on 1/22/2025 revealed 9 total violations (0 high priority, 1 intermediate, 8 basic).
Inspection on 11/5/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
7
Total
7
Inspection Details:
- 50-09-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Time Extended**
- 14-11-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn in both reach in coolers in the kitchen. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Observed gaskets torn in both reach in coolers in the kitchen. **Time Extended**
- 36-17-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In the walk in cooler and walk in freezer. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In the walk in cooler and walk in freezer. **Time Extended**
- 14-38-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed flour containers with cracked lids. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Observed flour containers with cracked lids. **Time Extended**
- 23-03-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood with accumulation of grease. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Observed hood with accumulation of grease. **Time Extended**
- 14-33-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Time Extended**
- 14-17-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-11-05: Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/5/2024 revealed 7 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 7 basic).
Inspection on 11/4/2024
High Priority
8
Intermediate
4
Basic
17
Total
29
Inspection Details:
- 23-24-4:Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed 2 door reach in cooler door handle with food debris. Warning
- 50-09-4:Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Warning
- 35A-03-4:Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 6 dead roaches on the 2nd floor storage room. Observed 2 dead roaches in the kitchen behind the stairwell where containers of salt, rice and beans are stored. Warning
- 14-11-5:Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets torn in both reach in coolers in the kitchen. Warning
- 36-17-5:Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In the walk in cooler and walk in freezer. Warning
- 14-38-4:Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed flour containers with cracked lids. Warning
- 08B-38-4:Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cut plantains stored on the floor in the kitchen. Warning
- 36-24-5:Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed multiple holes in the wall at the 2nd floor storage room. Warning
- 10-17-4:Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 4 knifes between wall and 3 compartment sink. Warning
- 10-20-4:Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Warning
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood with accumulation of grease. Warning
- 14-33-4:Basic - Observed reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Warning
- 35B-09-4:Basic - Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. Observed no screen at the bar gates by the door on the outside exterior patio. Warning
- 29-20-5:Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed hand washing sink in the kitchen with slow drainage. Warning
- 14-17-4:Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Warning
- 36-27-5:Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed 2nd floor walls soiled. Warning
- 36-10-4:Basic - Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed 2nd floor storage room heavily soiled. Warning
- 22-49-4:High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed Dishwasher's (Chlorine 0ppm). Warning
- 35A-02-6:High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 7 flies in the kitchen by the prep area. Observed 1 live fly landing on the dough in the prep area. Warning
- 35A-09-4:High Priority - Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 15+ centipedes dead throughout the storage area on the 2nd floor. Observed rodent Warning
- 35A-04-4:High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20+ rodent droppings on the 2 floor storage room behind the single service items, 15+ rodent droppings behind the AC unit on the 2nd floor. Warning
- 35A-18-4:High Priority - Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. Observed rodent rub marks on the floor under the single service items on the 2nd floor. Warning
- 12A-09-4:High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee moving the trash can to another location in the kitchen and about to start food preparation, educated employee how and when to wash their hands properly. **Corrective Action Taken** Warning
- 01B-13-4:High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed 1 live fly landing on the dough in the prep area. Warning
- 41-15-5:High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) stored in the kitchen. Operator discarded solution. Corrected On-Site Warning
- 31A-11-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food debris inside the hand washing sink in the kitchen. Warning
- 53A-01-7:Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed Caesar Lopez with no manager certificate. Warning
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ At the time of the inspection observed 4 employees with no manager on duty. Warning
- 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 employees with no employee training named Litica Mena and Juana Mena hired 18 years ago. Warning
Food safety inspection conducted on 11/4/2024 revealed 29 total violations (8 high priority, 4 intermediate, 17 basic).
Inspection on 6/26/2024
High Priority
2
Intermediate
1
Basic
6
Total
9
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 14-11-5:Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed the preparation reach in cooler gaskets torn. Repeat Violation
- 08B-38-4:Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bags of ice on the walk-in freezer floor.
- 21-04-4:Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. The cook removed the towels. Corrected On-Site
- 14-73-4:Basic - No container installed for catching grease from hood drip tray.
- 23-03-4:Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed both hood systems and hood filters soiled.
- 14-17-4:Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Repeat Violation
- 12A-16-4:High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed a cook come from the outside and stirred beef cooking at the back cook top.
- 14-31-5:High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed beef in a shopping bag in the walk-in cooler.
- 31B-02-4:Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed next to the kitchen entrance. The manager put towels. Corrected On-Site
Food safety inspection conducted on 6/26/2024 revealed 9 total violations (2 high priority, 1 intermediate, 6 basic).
Inspection on 2/14/2024
High Priority
0
Intermediate
0
Basic
2
Total
2
Disposition: Met Inspection Standards
Inspection Details:
- 51-11-4:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar. - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar. **Time Extended**
- 10-01-5:Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed plastic squeeze bottles with oil not labeled. - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-14: Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed plastic squeeze bottles with oil not labeled. **Time Extended**
Food safety inspection conducted on 2/14/2024 revealed 2 total violations (0 high priority, 0 intermediate, 2 basic).
Inspection on 12/8/2023
High Priority
8
Intermediate
7
Basic
10
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 at the preparation reach in cooler at the kitchen entrance in a pan of Parmesan cheese and sauce.
- 51-11-4:Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed at the bar.
- 35B-01-4:Basic - Exterior door has a gap on the that opens to the outside.
- 08B-38-4:Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed pork in a shopping back in a plastic bucket on the walk-in freezer floor. The cook moved the bucket to a shelf. **Corrective Action Taken**
- 36-24-5:Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed holes in the wall at the bar by the juice dispenser.
- 10-08-5:Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed in a cooler at the bar. The waitress removed the scoop. Corrected On-Site
- 10-01-5:Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed plastic squeeze bottles with oil not labeled.
- 06-01-5:Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed pork in a plastic container with water. The cook turned on the cold water and left if on. Corrected On-Site
- 21-09-4:Basic - Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean.
- 02D-01-5:Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed a plastic squeeze bottle containing oil not labeled at the cook line. Repeat Violation
- 22-49-4:High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. The cook has the triple sink set up for sanitizing. **Corrective Action Taken**
- 12A-07-5:High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
- 14-31-5:High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork in a shopping bag in a plastic container on the walk-in freezer floor.
- 14-15-4:High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed plantains and limes in water a plastic container that has a label Pro Form joint compound.
- 50-17-3:High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Repeat Violation
- 08A-11-5:High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Observed a pan with whole snapper on top cases of beer in the walk-in cooler. The cook moved the pan to the appropriate shelf. Corrected On-Site
- 08A-20-5:High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw shell eggs in the upright cooler across from the oven.
- 12A-09-4:High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed the cook crack raw shell eggs and continue cooking other items.
- 11-27-4:Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Form provided via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
- 22-02-4:Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime.
- 31A-09-4:Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed a shopping bag in the sink. Observed a stainless pan with silver ware in the hand wash sink at the kitchen entrance.
- 53A-05-6:Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
- 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 via email. **Corrective Action Taken**
- 31B-03-4:Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed at the bar.
- 53B-05-5:Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed Xiomara, Pamela, Cinthina, Juana, La palapa all expired 10-22-23.
Food safety inspection conducted on 12/8/2023 revealed 25 total violations (8 high priority, 7 intermediate, 10 basic).