La Esquina Bar and Grill

1551 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02909

Bar / Pub

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Sep 25, 2024

Score

Low Risk

La Esquina Bar and Grill has a thin inspection record, with only two visits on file so far. The most recent visit was on Sep 25, 2024. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

The most recent inspection cleaned up several issues, finishing with one violation after 13 on the prior visit.

Food separated and protected accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

La Esquina Bar and Grill's latest score of 86 sits above the Providence average of 80. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Sep 25, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (liquid eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (limes) in the reach-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.

3-302.11

Sep 11, 2024

Routine

2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 5 minor violations. 11 corrected on site.

View 13 violations

Toxic materials not stored separately from food (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: (Paint) was stored with vegetables. Chemicals must be stored to prevent the contamination of clean equipment, utensils linens, and/or single service by spacing or partitioning and locating them in an area that is not above food, equipment utensils, linens, and single service articles.

7-201.11

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods were not stored properly to prevent cross-contamination. Except when combined as ingredients, different types of raw animal foods must be separated from each other during storage by using separate equipment or arrranging each type of food in equipment so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented.

3-302.11

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Cheese and chicken were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.

3-501.17

Person in charge not present

Inspector notes: No person in charge was present as needed at the time of inspection.

2-101.11

Food thawed using improper method (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Beef was observed thawing on the counter. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be thawed in one of the following manners: under refrigeration (41 degrees Fahrenheit or less); completely submerged under running water; as part of the cooking process; or in the microwave if cooked immediately after thawing. Moved to refrigerator.

3-501.13

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Sauce, rice and soup were observed cooling on the counter in 6" deep plastic tubs at 100-108 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods are to be cooled in shallow pans no greater than 4" deep to allow for rapid cooling. Per interview with PIC, foods were made one hour prior and moved to shallow pans at time of inspection.

3-501.15

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Straws and cups were observed in the hand-washing sink at the bar. A hand-washing sink must not be used for purposes other than hand washing.

5-205.11

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of the ice machine was observed with black and brown residue. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Cleaned and sanitized at time of inspection. See disposal.

4-601.11(A)

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors throughout the facility have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Proper date marking and disposition (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Employees' medicines were not stored to prevent the contamination of food, equipment, or utensils.

7-209.11

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: At time of inspection, reduced oxygen packaged (ROP) tilapia was observed thawing in refrigerator with seal intact. ROP fish must thaw in a manner that allows proper oxygen transfer rate (ex. breaking seal and removing item from package). Temperature was observed at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, PIC opened at time of inspection.

3-501.12

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Oil was observed stored on the floor in the kitchen. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils are not stored inverted.

4-903.11(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was La Esquina Bar and Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at La Esquina Bar and Grill on file is from Sep 25, 2024. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at La Esquina Bar and Grill?

Across the inspection record, food separated and protected has been cited two times, more than any other issue at La Esquina Bar and Grill.

How does La Esquina Bar and Grill compare to other restaurants in Providence?

La Esquina Bar and Grill most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Providence average of 80.

Has La Esquina Bar and Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at La Esquina Bar and Grill have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around one violation compared to about 13 previously.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at La Esquina Bar and Grill means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

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