Food for Thought Report 12.30 - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

This week's top performer is the Lunch Box restaurant at 1620 Avenue Q. Co-owner Tracy Barden says, "When we heard again we were a top performer we were just so excited and kudos to the food inspector who has worked with us for the very beginning."

Food for Thought 12.30 Here is a complete list of the restaurants and their violations for the week ending on 12/30/04.

A strict cleanliness routine and homemade cookin' made fresh every day have earned the Lunch Box a good deal of repeat business in the short time they've been open. Barden says, "We're off to a great start and want to continue that." It doesn't hurt they have an endorsement from one of NewsChanel 11's own. Barden says, "Remember John (Berry) with a giant meatball sandwich. He said 'I'm not really that hungry' and we went back and it was gone completely. We were so excited he showed up one afternoon with a plaque and it was just like Christmas came early."

Santa wasn't so kind to our only low performer. Taco Village at 1712 3rd Street had five critical violations at the time of their last inspection. They were cited for:

• Uncovered employee drinks found in the food prep area.
• Cooked chicken that was not date marked.
• A hand sink that was blocked by a radio.
• Having no thermometer in the reach in cooler.
• Plates that were chipped and cracked.

All critical violations were corrected on site. A manager initially agreed to interview with NewsChannel 11, but then cancelled.