This week, we're looking at the three lowest grades on the restaurant report card.
The odd thing is, all three are 'A' grades. But each week, NBC Charlotte shows you how even 'A' grades can have issues in the kitchen.
First up this week, the Lodge A Sportsman's Grill 2 on Hawfield Way. The inspector saw an employee who touched garbage and didn't wash hands before handling some equipment.
Some raw turkey burger and steak were also out of their commercial packages and stored over the bread in the freezer. That stuff must be kept separate. Plus, there were two open bags of lettuce that were undated, so those were tossed out.
Their grade -- a 90, the lowest 'A'. Click here for the full inspection report.
Also on the low end this week: Taqueria Rosita mobile food. Some of their metal and plastic containers had food debris stuck on them.
Some of the rice, beans and tamales weren't hot enough. In fact, the Tamales were 81 degrees, well below the required 135 degrees, so they were tossed.!
Their grade -- also a 90, the lowest possible 'A'. Click here for the full inspection report.
Last up, Hokkaido Japanese Express on South Tryon. The inspector saw fish thawing in the hand washing sink. Some of the raw animal foods like beef and chicken were being stored above already cooked food like pasta, sauces, and some veggies.
Plus some of their already cooked crab meat and cooked fish had no date on them. Food must be dated so employees know how old it is and when to throw it out.
Their grade -- a 90.5, that's a low 'A ' as well. Click here for the full inspection report.
A restaurant's grade should be visible when you walk in the door. If it's not, you should ask to see it.
