Taqueria de Sol's Health Inspection Score Drops
Decatur Metro | May 22, 2009A reader writes in…
Taqueria del Sol on Ponce recently got a 77 “C” rating on their health inspection. I couldn’t bring myself to study the rating sheet long enough to see the reasons. One of the few places left in town that everyone in my family is willing to go (that and BSP), so I’m a bit taken aback by this discovery.
I’m pretty sure it was in the 90s last I saw. Let’s hope we can get a decent explanation as to the cause of this decline.
UPDATE: FH and DecaturMom4 give us a links to the details in the comments section.
UPDATE II: Read Taqueria’s response after the jump…
We at Taqueria del Sol have gone thru great lengths to satisfy the new standards set by the Department of Public Health. For those that do not know, there is a new scoring system that is much more penal. It is hard to compare scores from restaurant to restaurant because inspectors interpret the new codes independently and assess penalties differently. With restaurants in 3 counties, we have had, on numerous instances, one inspector say one thing while another says something different. It’s frustrating that there is no consistency. They have made it very difficult to cook fresh food on a daily basis. Our score in Decatur represents 9 points taken off because a cook did not have gloves on while chopping tomatoes for a boiling pot of turnip greens. After the tomato /salmonella scare last summer the Department of Public Health changed it’s glove use policy. It is now mandatory to use gloves for chopping all uncooked vegetables, even if they are going to be cooked. 4 points were taken off because the front door was open, which could allow pests and rodents to enter the building. 4 points taken off because a lid was off a container in the walk in cooler (It was the middle of lunch and we were prepping food constantly). There were no serious violations. Last month in our Athens store, 9 points were taken off because freshly made guacamole was at 44 degrees, not 40. Taqueria works very hard to serve a freshly made product and to ensure a clean, safe restaurant for our patrons.
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There are many reasons why your score can drop precipitously that are not related to food prep or freshness, such as if someone has a “drink” in the food prep area, or a coat hanging on a door in the kitchen, not all related to bad food or unsanitary stuff. So I wouldn’t worry too much.
http://atlanta.digitalhealthdepartment.com/dekalb/history.cfm?id=449364
Here’s the full report. A “C” rating is a little disturbing.
http://atlanta.digitalhealthdepartment.com/_templates/22/Food/_report_full.cfm?fsimID=101471
That is why I insist on having a margarita whenever we eat there (like last night) – surely the tequila makes it all ok.
In happier news, Corner Pub scored a 99 on last inspection.
In reading the report here online…the violations, although serious, are not that bad and were corrected on the spot if you read the fine print. Unless you have worked in the food business you have NO idea what is really out there or how these inspections really work. I have been in places that have scored in the high 90s but have had bug infestations. We may be the only people in Decatur that have not tried Taqueria de Sol but I am not going to let this less that grand score stop me. Just putting my 2 cents in!
we stopped going to noodle long ago for this very same thing.
“Insects, rodents, and animals”- Oh my!
True, nubbs.
I read the report…these reports are snapshots, and will be reinspected within a specific period to determine re-compliance. Having worked in food service before, I know we were once dinged because our fresh strawberries to put over the cake wasn’t covered when they walked in and it had only been out of the fridge literally one minute. Understandably there is no gray in these reports. It is either in compliance or not. If they see you washing your hands and you don’t wash for the prescribed 30 or so seconds, then your whole facility doesn’t meet the guide. But if there is no hand washing done during their quick inspection, then you meet compliance. Go figure.
Personally, I am more concerned eating at a Waffle House with a posted score of 94 when I can see food all over the kitchen floor area, dried and crusty waffle residue, those nasty wet rags they use to “wipe” down the table, etc.
Or DFM and that hot food line/salad bar (shudder), but maybe it is just the whole dingy atmosphere and smell thing there.
Taqueria does not seem “unclean”
And not to scare folks, but as Chris and I know, if the public saw/knew what went on in kitchens in restaurants NONE of us would ever go out to eat. Food prep on a large scale and the subsequent cleaning and trash is just not pretty.
It’s kinda like not wanting to know what hotdogs are made of, you know.
People freak out about this stuff way to much. I’ve eaten at Taqueria at multiple locations many times and never had any sort of issue. And frankly, I would bet that a lot of our own kitchens would get a C on these reports if inspected without notice.
That said, I often go to Taqueria despite my extreme dislike for the way they are, on occassion, openly hostile to kids. I recall my daughter spilling a half cup of water there once a few years ago, and the guy who came to wipe it up (pretty sure it was the manager) just could not have acted more put out.
I’ve never been to Taqueria del Sol, but I’ve been wanting to try. Still, I think I’ll wait to see their score go up a little first. I’m happy to hear Corner Pub did so well…though we might be boycotting them for a while, too. My husband is devastated that they took the full sized andouille burgers off the menu!
Can I recommend Raging Burrito as a Decatur taco alternative? No waiting for tables. They gladly accommodate kids and large parties. They have killer tacos, burritos and guacamole. AND, they scored a 94 on their Health Inspection (thanks for the Dekalb County link, FH!).
Not to sound like I’m in complete denial, but I love TDS so much that I can’t say this one low score would be enough to put me off it. The pest thing does bother me somewhat, but overall, it’s not like they caught some employee spitting in the guacamole, or something equally gross. TDS didn’t get to be the success it is by slacking off about cleanliness & quality, and one score does not a history make. It’d be different if they had, say, 3 successive low scores. That would indicate that TDS had no interest in adequately addressing any problems, and would be enough to make me leave off it. But for now? I just can’t quit ‘em!
The grade sounds worse than it is. For example, they were cited because employees were washing their hands in the “wrong” sinks. Also, the bug and rodent cititation was simply due to the front and back doors being open, which got them written up because it could conceivably allow critters entry to the restaurant. The report did not say any critters or signs of critters were observed. So essentially, they got cited for having a door open. I am fairly squimish about restaurant cleanliness, but nothing I read in the report bothered me.
And may I also second Winnonamom regarding Raging Burrito? They have great burritos and quesadillas, as well as a satisfying selection of adult beverages. Plus, their back patio is fun when the weather is nice.
PS: I have no connection to either TDS or Raging Burrito other than as a customer of both.
El Tesoro people. Especially if you have kids.
I’m not worried.
Even if I get in line now, they’ll have plenty of time to fix everything before I get to the counter.
I never worry about Taqueria’s food. Those violations are pretty minor and I’ve seen MUCH worse when it comes to food prep.
The only thing that ever keeps me from going to Tacqueria (Decatur) is the attitude of the owners and employees. Sure, they’ve been around long enough for most folks to know the rules, but the snide attitude the aforementioned folks take while enforcing them is a huge turn off.
We don’t eat at TDS because of their horrible attitudes.
I wish there was a score for the service – 0!
Haven’t been to TDS since I started having kids… no high chairs, and horror stories from others about non-parent-friendliness abound. Raging and El Tesoro for us (kind of agree about service at El Tesoro – *on occasion* – but I have never had a meal there that wasn’t delicious).
I’ve never had an issue with service at El Tesoro.
We are there A LOT, perhaps that has something to do with it.
The food at El Tesoro may be a notch below TDS, but at least you don;t have to stand in line at a counter for 30 minutes while their staff actively shun your family.
This has been an interesting thread.
I’ve often wondered whether I should post more about Health Inspection Scores, but for many of the reasons previously stated (too black & white), I figured it would do more harm than good.
But instead of freaking me out, the conversation here has gone far in justifying the score. If you don’t have much background with these sorts of things and you see a low score, you’re apt to freak a little (like I did.) But hearing a few insider perspectives has helped bring me back down to earth and I’m almost OK with it now. Which is good because I’m not sure I could stop going anyway.
In Los Angeles, restaurants are required to post their health grades (A, B, or C – anything lower gets you closed). When we lived ther, many friends would declare that they would never eat anywhere without an A grade. But among the ethnic food junkies, there was a prevailing wisdom that the “best” places often would get B and C grades due to “traditional” preparation methods that don’t pass muster with The Man. (I know, for example, that my mother never refrigerates certain food items that contain rice because it dries them out.) Anyway, we would have missed out on a lot of good food if we hadn’t been willing to eat in the B and C restaurants.
We at Taqueria del Sol have gone thru great lengths to satisfy the new standards set by the Department of Public Health. For those that do not know, there is a new scoring system that is much more penal. It is hard to compare scores from restaurant to restaurant because inspectors interpret the new codes independently and assess penalties differently. With restaurants in 3 counties, we have had, on numerous instances, one inspector say one thing while another says something different. It’s frustrating that there is no consistency. They have made it very difficult to cook fresh food on a daily basis. Our score in Decatur represents 9 points taken off because a cook did not have gloves on while chopping tomatoes for a boiling pot of turnip greens. After the tomato /salmonella scare last summer the Department of Public Health changed it’s glove use policy. It is now mandatory to use gloves for chopping all uncooked vegetables, even if they are going to be cooked. 4 points were taken off because the front door was open, which could allow pests and rodents to enter the building. 4 points taken off because a lid was off a container in the walk in cooler (It was the middle of lunch and we were prepping food constantly). There were no serious violations. Last month in our Athens store, 9 points were taken off because freshly made guacamole was at 44 degrees, not 40. Taqueria works very hard to serve a freshly made product and to ensure a clean, safe restaurant for our patrons.
I think it is disgusting – not to wash your hands properly and then touch food – I am not ok with it and wouldn’t be able to justify it.
These are the basics people – come on!! Who knows what they were doing before prepping that tasty taco – maybe that’s why they are so addictive??? (ew!)
Can you post other places too – would like to compare..
Maybe this will help me save money and lose weight by being too freaked out to go out to eat
Thanks goodness The Grange got a 99 too
This web site lets you search for any place in DeKalb county:
http://atlanta.digitalhealthdepartment.com/dekalb/recent.cfm?CFID=4316322&CFTOKEN=5e7a7ce1eeffb28-69EFFC4A-3048-98E1-5C5E77E043F6FD39&jsessionid=7a309f2f0f3bb195abc01e3d76455f244c21
Oh I didn’t see the TDS response – most of it makes sense but it is your responsibility to know the changes in procedures to ensure the food is being prepped properly? No?
“Our score in Decatur represents 9 points taken off because a cook did not have gloves on while chopping tomatoes for a boiling pot of turnip greens. After the tomato /salmonella scare last summer the Department of Public Health changed it’s glove use policy. It is now mandatory to use gloves for chopping all uncooked vegetables, even if they are going to be cooked.”
Also what about the violation for “Hands clean and properly washed” – maybe I could agree with above comment if I knew the hands touching the tomatoes had been washed and cleaned properly…just makes me feel icky
These are my biggest concerns – the rest I get…..
Yikes! I may stay home and eat good ol’ Georgia peanut butter.
Banking regulations, the drug war, FDA ….. Health Inspections.
The nanny State rules!!!
Is it effective?? Now that is another question.
I prefer the old fashioned way, When I go into a restaurant, I consider how it smells, debris on the floor etc. But then I tend to love the experiences I have had a B & C restaurants as well
.
I have had food poisoning several times in my 55 years on the face of this planet, in fact, the first time was when I was in my late teens off a meal had prepared.
Its a jungle out there!!!!
It begs the question – Does the real adventure only begin after you have lost your luggage?
TDS seems super clean to me which is why I’ve probably eaten there 100 times. . . . They are one of the few places that cleans out their iced tea containers regularly to avoid that icky sweet tea flavor that comes from unclean tanks. I see them scrubbing the place down regularly. Plus, if a rodent tried to sneak in the front door, the people in line would kick ‘em out for cutting in line. . . .
As for kids at TDS, I’ve been taking my kid there since he was in a portable high chair (he’s nine now). Because he sits in his seat and doesn’t trip up the servers with their incredibly hot plates, he is welcome. I think the staff gets frustrated with kids because so many parents there allow them to roam. If you think kids aren’t welcome, try going to TDS at 5:30–the place is teeming with kids.
Thanks TDS for the years of great Memphis tacos (minus pork, sub with chicken). We have never been concerned with cleanliness at TDS!
I love how no one is mentioning the beloved Brick Store’s score of 80.
with all this talk about TDS being hostile to children i wonder if people ever think maybe, just maybe, the reason some folks have a bad attitude towards children in restaurants is due to the fact that some (not all) adults in charge do not manage the child’s behavior very well. here are some tips i picked up as a young boy learning the ways of public dining:
– the table is not a place to squirm or raise your voice above conversation level. those activities are best performed in the play yard. until you feel confident you can sit through the meal without doing such you should stay at home and practice.
-there are several reasons to get up from the table in a restaurant – a trip to the washroom or to the bar to refresh your drink. none of them include a game of hide and seek or any activity that includes running (unless of course it is a bathroom emergency and the running path is a beeline to the washroom).
-if you make a mess at the table the primary responsibility for clean-up is with you. just because you are in a restaurant and there are attendants does not give free license for not picking up items and food that have fallen to the table or floor. you are, after all, not the king of france, and attendants should never be confused with servants in a democratic society.
-staring at people is not polite.
of course, these are just a few general know-how tips. there are many detailed rules one may or may not find burdensome. an example of such a burden would be my needless worry over not having a liner for my soup or salad bowl. while i was instructed a spoon should never rest in the bowl it really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, and certainly does not irritate those dining at a nearby table.
bon appetite!
Wordsworth anyone?
Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might
Of heaven-born freedom on thy being’s height,
Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke
The years to bring the inevitable yoke,
Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife?
Full soon thy soul shall have her earthly freight,
And custom lie upon thee with a weight,
Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!
Or as a 4 year-old might respond…
You adults are just no fun.
It’s pretty harmful for a blog to bring this light when Decatur restaurants are shutting down every week. Unless you’ve worked in a kitchen, you would not understand how the aforementioned infractions are so irrelevant. For the record most home kitchens, if graded using the health inspection scale would receive a C or D +.
I’ve never eaten at TDS nor do I plan to eat there, but of you’re going to start bringing health scores to readers’ attention, you need to do a cross section of restaurants Decatur.
The Corner Pub got a 99, but I have not eaten at the Corner Pub since I found a rusty thumb tack in the bottom of my collard greens…after I’d eaten the entire bowl.
The “Diner” next to Cookie Studio where I get my cheeseburger has a score in the mid 80’s. If that place is clean, I’m a parking meter.
Sounds like to me someone had an ax to grind with TDS.
I just have to put mu two cents in to agree with some posters higher up. Honestly, for most of the 90s, I waited tables, worked in the kitchen or managed restaurants. If you really knew what when on in kitchens, you’d never eat anywhere except at home in a plastic bubble. The infractions at TDS are minor.
I’d just like to say to the folks dissing the Taq and praising other Decatur food establishments, that I – for one – would be extremely grateful if you quit whining and just took your business to the RB, Corner Pub or other fave establishment. It would make the line at TDS shorter, I’d get my margarita quicker and I don’t think anyone would really cry crocodile tears over the small volume of lost clientele who’s obvious desire is to find a 5 star restaurant with 1 star prices that will fawn over their misbehaving kids as much as they do …
Back to the very first post, I have to say that we got wrote up because our staff had on gloves. The local health inspector said she rather us not wear gloves because of handling and spreading germs instead of washing your hands each time.
I think the State or Federal government should give you Rules and Regulation book that is not changing to the individual inspector. This would elimate the staff and owners from guessing if we should or should do in the establishment.
Besides is there anyone out there that watches the Health Inspector to make sure they are not harassing certain establishments. (Ex. police-cheif or sheriff, hospital-Joint commission, etc.)
Let’s not get ridiculous. It’s not five star food at the Taq. It is freshly prepared and for the most part pretty unimaginative, especially if you are from California – dime a dozen out there. I think it is hilarious people go gaga over a menu that never changes and is really just fried chicken in a soft shell, fried tilapia or whatever in a hard shell. OMIGOD – I must wait in line for that. Doesn’t McDonald’s have something in that price point on their menu now, go there AND you can go through the drive thru!
My issue with TDS is the service – the ‘soup nazi’ lameness that restaurants think lend some cache to their establishments. It is just poor form and rude. Fine, don’t have highchairs, you are awesome because you don’t have to. I stopped going to TDS long before I had my son when as a new resident to Decatur I was told that ‘this was the place to eat.’ My first and only visit was humiliating! I was refused a drink at the bar because I stepped out of line to saddle up to the bar and order a margarita, not knowing ‘the rules.’ It was a great welcome to Decatur.
If you think it is gross, don’t eat there…easier for me to get a table. i could care less if they like my kid. and yes they might like yours if they wern’t so loud (mine too!). shop where you like and eat where you like. but trashing them needlessly is just silly.
and seriously – grossed out because they didn’t use gloves on veggies before they were going to be cooked? don’t come to my house (or prob yours). chill. relax. have a margarita – theirs are delish. Or not. More for me.
I agree. And I have never had bad service there. In fact, I’ve had them help me with my son when I have been alone a struggling. I like the food there and at Raging Burrito, where I have also always had good service.
And I agree on the glove thing- if you have ever worked on a restaurant line you’d understand how gross those gloves really are and you’d beg the cook to use a nekkid hand. Beg.
I agree with Grumble’s assessment above. I once watched an uninitiated woman come in and try to join her group who had already ordered and seated themselves at one of the tables in the main bar room. I was sitting at the bar and she started to take the chair next to me. One of the owners behind the bar (a distance of about 5 feet from the woman) said about as loudly as he could “M’am, I’ve GOT to have that chair up here.” It was melodramatic and rude and the woman stopped in her tracks very uncomfortably while the rest of the patrons stared at her. Frankly if it was me who had been addressed that way I would have turned around and walked out.
I’ve also lunched at the counter on more than one occasion where simply making eye contact with the server behind the bar to indicate I was ready to pay my bill elicited an exasperated sigh and a “I’ll grab that as soon as I can.” Hey, I get it…it’s lunch and you’re busy. I’m not in a hurry and I’m not pestering you so drop the melodramatic act.
I also find the posted signs at the bar to exude the same poor tone…something to the effect that the server behind the bar will take your to-go order if he can possibly spare a minute. That’s a slight misstatement of what it actually says but I do not think I imagine the attitude behind it when compared against my experiences.
I think they decided at one point that they were simply going to stop nicely explaining the rules once they became so busy and successful. But now most people know the rules, and the notion that the uninitiated few don’t deserve a polite explanation is galling to me and obviously a lot of people in this thread.
A restaurant, store, waiter, or sales clerk has exactly one chance to be rude to me…
I am with grumble and joe. Y’all can have the mediocre food, and ‘tude. Rudeness and indifferene to the person paying the freight is a deathknell to most businesses. The fact the Decatur is just so darn in love with masochistic mediocrity is a hoot! Maybe TDS can electrify that bar area to give slight shocks to those the staff feel are impertinent by asking to pay their bill or order food.
A whole new trend: masocuisine is born! You read it here first.
Thought: The Art Institute of Atlanta has a branch in Decatur. The also have a program in Culinary Science. I am surprised they haven’t moved that program to Decatur. We would be the perfect location.
another Rick:
The honest answer as to why I eat at TDS is because the food is good and cheap and I’m usually in and out of there in under 30 minutes (I typically go a little later to avoid the line). Heck I can easily walk there from my office. I’d say I average a visit about once every 4-6 months. It would be much more frequent if I didn’t continue to see examples like the ones I posted above. Perhaps I now view my interactions with the people who work there under that light and might need to lighten up a little…but the rest of the responses in this thread have sort of confirmed the question I had in my mind about whether or not I was alone in my sentiments.
I think this and the controversial Voila/Button Cakes thread just points out that we are all different in our tastes and attitudes and lucky enough to live in a little city that can cater to each of us.
Now, let’s all hold hands and sing.
Whenever food is brought up it seems to get alot of attention on this blog. Its interesting and it would be great if the location became a culinary center for Atlanta.
Though…..I often wonder if there are any people out there who simply just focus on eating to nourish thier bodies rather than focus on food for pleasure, psychological comfort, etc. I suppose there are quite a number in this part of town but there still seems to be a much higher number of obese people here than in the northern cities.
Maybe its the heat?
Poor self esteem?
Lack of walkable transport alternatives?
People who overeat seem to be the most negative, anxious, bitter, and tight jawed/angry individuals. I’m not certain why that is. Its kind of sad.
Announcer : …and starting in left field; RICK!
Announcer : he’s rounding third, on his way home–Rick with the throw to the
plate, and IT’S WAY OFF LINE!
Rick is hardly “totally off base” – there are lots of data to support (some of) his assertions.
Hey, Rick, did you just call me fat? Has this thread spilled over to the ridiculous enough to close comments yet?
FWIW….Rick is someone with whom you would never want to have dinner.
Background….he “commutes” (his term) from Atlanta to Boston. Whenever he deigns to plop down in Atlanta he posts ridiculously self-important (and in this posters opinion) self-absorbing diatribes about the entire population of the Earth….
I’m just sayin……
Rick and Oakie: This thread is a discussion about where people like to eat (and how clean they like those places to be) and not what, or why, they like to eat. And this is why your pretentious, self-important statement was way off-base. I know it’s ridiculous to have to point out, but, considering the posts, you guys clearly needed clarifying, uhm, like butter with deep-fried shrimp in a cream sauce over angel hair pasta, oh heaven.
OH Gibbets… this _was_ a post about TDS’ health score.. and it then devolved into many other things, many of which were off topic. Amidst some goofy things, Rick merely said that the obesity prevalence seemed to be higher in the south than the north (it is), that this might be linked to commuting options (it is partially), and that people who are stressed use food as a means to quell their anxiety (some do). My sincere apologies to you!
When I worked in the food industry, we made sure the kids ate alot of dirt. Especially if they were allowed to run around and scream. Parents too.
Yes, but let’s not blow things out of proportion. None of those things were seen on-site.
Here are the details of that violation…
“Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors not properly installed at outer openings to the food service facility.
PIC informed outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents.Front and back door entry was seen open. Corrected On-Site. New Violation.”
If it’s who I think you’re talking about, dem, I don’t think it was really about your little one’s mishap. That particular person always looks a bit like he’s just bitten into a lemon, and I surmise that it’s just his demeanor, rather than that he doesn’t want kids in the establishment. Some folks have a gruff manner…kinda goes with the package, you know? I elect not to take it personally. I know that whenever we take our nieces & nephews (and we have a lot of them!), TDS are always nice about making sure we have enough seats, etc.
They have been openly hostile to me as well – but I think in a weird way, it is just part of the charm. When we have friends visit or take someone for the first time, we just explain it as the Taco Nazi, like Soup Nazi, but with tacos.
I agree with Cubalibre in that I believe them to truly be kid/family friendly…if the kids are behaved or contained near the parent’s table. Makes sense that they want everyone to enjoy their meal–and for childless folks I’m sure that includes not having screaming, running kids all over. Kids have been loud and management doesn’t seem concerned (as long as they were at our table.) The loose kids running, etc. seem to get that look of disdain you speak of (but maybe deserved by the parents?) Still a good family-friendly place.
Completely agree. I would take Raging Burrito over TDS every day. TDS will never see a penny of my business.
A week without the Rage is like Memorial Day weekend without sunshine.
Are you kidding? Raging Burrito is THE WORST! Their scores may be average, but their service handling is horrible. Last time I acquiesced and agree to eat there, my food was brought out with another plate stacked directly on top of my food. The bottom of the other person’s plate was resting on top of my quesadilla. When I complained, the waitress didn’t understand why that was a problem. Absolutely disgusting… won’t ever go there again.
I agree – and the staff there is ALWAYS nice and food rocks. The guys at TDS always seem put out by the fact people are willing to wait 20+ minutes in line for something as ridiculous as tacos. And yes they are good tacos and very affordable, but the 20mins combined with the rudeness really is not worth it anymore!
Here here!
Hmmmm…have to gently disagree with you there, DWAFD. El Tesoro’s folks are nice, but inept in their service (read: loooooong waits, even for drinks; our food was cool by the time we got it on both occasions we visited). It’s nice that they have a large outdoor area for kids to run around in, but their food is so mediocre, I can’t imagine going there unless I just had a jones for chips & queso, and couldn’t get in anywhere else. I wanted to like El Tesoro, but they just can’t seem to get their act together…whatever else one can say about TDS, when you do get your order in, it comes lightning quick, and the food is always consistently tasty & fresh.
I second that, cubalibre. I find El Tesoro food mediocre, at best. Like you, I wanted to like them, but gave up after a couple of visits.
I took my babies mom there on Mothers day and then to TDS on the following Monday. TDS is far, far, superior in quality of ingredients, etc. While pretty, ET is mediocre.
Hilarious…
Agreed. I quit going just on that point, but then I am not a big taco fan…go figure.
My sentiments exactly. And I think it’d be a good idea for you to post the inspection scores, as you see fit–discussions like these are not just helpful, they’re interesting!
I’d love to have a county health inspector score my kitchen.
I leave the patio door open, don’t wear gloves, have no clue what the temperature in my fridge is, and have two dogs at my feet constantly.
I suspect the county would give me a 12.
Yet, somehow, I’ve managed not to poison myself or (to the best of my knowledge) anyone else.
DM, seriously, don’t worry about that score!
Fascinating!
Paula, the eating establishments here are also supposed to post their ratings. If they don’t, it’s a violation like everything else.
Agree. When I worked in East Los Angeles for a couple of years, I ate frequently from the street vendors with trucks with a sales window. Fantastic fresh tacos, probably an F for hygiene. I just didn’t mention it during that one year that I worked in the downtown L.A. County Dept. of Public Health.
My husband and I like El Tesoro a lot, very Southwestern fusion to us. We walk there all the time for a margarita and some tacos. It’s not as good for our kids because a lot of the items are too spicy for them. We also like Taqueria del Sol but rarely have the patience for the wait.
No doubt– mine probably wouldn’t be scored very highly, either. But then, I’m not serving the public from my kitchen, so the County has no vested interest in its cleanliness (or not-so, at times)…
¡Aquí, aquí!
[edited: no personal attacks] the fact they could care less is the most galling. but heck, its a free country, sort of, and its a pleasure to see a bunch of anti TDS folks here.
incredibly bad attitude, especially regarding kids. its fish tacos for crying out loud. i have two unsent letters both written after bad experiences there-both unsent after i realized why the heck was i wasting time on these [edited: no name calling]
Guy,
I feel your pain. I’ve given Raging Burrito the benefit of the doubt several times. Each time, the service is mediocre to poor and the food is a bit overpriced for what they offer. For me, there’s no comparison between TDS and RB. I never leave TDS disappointed.
The plot thickens.
Personally, I didn’t mention it because I didn’t know it.
All the employees at the Pub could walk around with a finger in their nose and the other hand down their own pants and I would care less.
Though I’d probably echo speechless’s comment, the results are here.
Of the violations listed at the bottom, I’m not too upset about it. Looks like the DOH has had a fire lit under them and they’re trying to “crack down”. I’d be interested to see the average scores of inspectors. A high amount of variability between individual inspectors seems like it would be a tip-off that better standardization is needed.
Conspiracy!
In fact, am I spotting this right? Were both inspections conducted by the same inspector (one Erica Wilson)?
hey {edited: no insults] -you ever been at TDS??? Bachanalia it aint.
TDS is loud, bustling and vibrant and could be a good kid spot.
what gales people (i think) is the owner’s attitude-“we don’t care to make your experience helpful or nice. ” you’re gonna come for our fish tacos regardless. why the heeck you write so much.[edited: no personal attacks] yeesh. i think that most decatur resident’s know where and when to bring their kids out to eat. feh.
I think it’s worth noting that these rules apply equally to adults as well as children.
it isn’t that kids aren’t welcome. you’re reading the last post wrong.
they don’t care for anyone-its certainly not limited to kids. they’re equal opportunity obnoxious.
[edited: no personal attacks]
what_what, you’re showing about as much respect for other commenters as you’re claiming TDS shows for you.
Thanks to three snipes in a row..your comments are now being moderated.
I have eaten there probably a hundred times. I don’t believe you.
Sheesh, what_what, if it bothers you that much, whyn’t you start a blog about it? That way, you could kvetch to your heart’s content, and others who feel as you do will surely follow you there to commiserate. In the overall scheme of things, it’s just a little taco stand, not the entrance to the Kingdom. If you’re that aggrieved by how you were treated, do what most people do: make sure you don’t spend your money there.
Personally, I agree with lbtl– there are, in fact, way too many parents who’re lax in supervising their offspring when they’re out to eat. It’s also no coincidence that these are usually the very people who clamor the loudest about their lids being “unwelcome” at any establishment that isn’t a Chuckie Cheese.
DM. i love the wordsworth. love it!
oh, and sorry if i caused a ruckus. sometimes i forget my sense of humor amuses only me. if you’d like to remove my comment for the greater peace i certainly wouldn’t be insulted.
Sounds to me that the tomatoes were going into a pot of boiling greens (TdS says), That makes you feel icky? Americans are way too fastidous.
I concur that it’s fair to consider ratings of other restaurants. (Props to DM for listing them in a separate entry.) I don’t see, however, how it can be construed as harmful or to imply malice (“ax to grind”?) for pointing out a piece of information that is publicly posted at TDS and on the web. It is a bit of a shock to see a lowish score anywhere one eats, but it is only a single datum that a consumer should consider. I’m happy that the floors and tables are clean and the margaritas are a pretty good value. I’ve never been unhappy with the food (except when they informed me that they use chicken stock in the rice; this vegetarian was briefly distressed at that key revelation). I’d be happier to know if they recycle their aluminum cans, but regardless I will continue to go there because I’ve weighed several data — not just a score.
Cheers!
“The fact the Decatur is just so darn in love with masochistic mediocrity is a hoot!”
I would include YDFM in that.
Oh, for the love of Mike! I’m certainly no masochist, and I do believe people should be treated respectfully. However, I don’t believe “the customer is always right”– they ain’t (yes, I’ve worked my share of restaurants & retail, so I’ve had plenty of experience with that old adage). At one time, I was a ‘newbie” to TDS, and I can honestly say I’ve never been treated rudely (even when my husband “broke the rules” and snagged a table before I’d placed our orders). There’s a thing called “mutual respect”, and too often, customers forget that when they’re patronizing establishments. Conversely, if a business gives you what you feel is unjustified guff, then talk with your pocketbook. ‘Nuff said!
All things being equal, though, I think “masocuisine” is pretty funny…good on ya.
I guess I agree. TDS has good food, fresh ingredients, and great prices. I am sure that combination can be found everywhere in LA.
So Joe, why do you eat there.
I think masocuisine is pretty darn funny myself and look forward to seeing it introduced on Top Chef by some enterprising you chef fed up with molecular gastronomy.
I’m not saying anyone should tolerate kids running and screaming. My daughter spilled a cup of water.
Uh, Rick. You might be over-thinking this just a bit. (Not to mention totally off base).
LOL! I second that emotion. (Sorry– someone had to say it.)
Yep to both.
Nope, still think he was off on that one–unless you mean he was referring to mascocuisine stuff further up–which was actually funny AND on topic, sort of. I will admit that Americans as a whole are obese, but I don’t see what that has to do with opinions about restaurants and posting them on a blog. With that said, if one posts something on a blog, then one should be prepared to hear about it, I am so no apologies necessary. Maybe the three of us should start a healthy eating blog where we can critique everyone’s eating habits. “Coming up next, the hot new blog topic sweeping the tri-state area: Rick-Oakie-Gibbets’ Eating for Health AND Well-being. But now we have Bob with traffic…”