Food for Thought Report 5.22 - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

This fast food joint reigns supreme in this week's Food for Thought. Burger King at 313 University had a flawless inspection, but this isn't their first time at the head of the throne - they're a repeat top performer.

And while sleep might be on your mind - cleanliness tops the check list at the restaurant inside the Lubbock Hampton Inn at 4003 South Loop 289.

get more>> Web Enhanced 5/22/08 Food for Thought 5.22 Here is a complete list of the restaurants and their violations for the week ending on 5/22/08.

Another hotel makes the Food for Thought list this week, but this one is at the bottom.

Embassy Suites Lubbock at 5215 South Loop 289 had seven critical violations.

• Sliced turkey and ham did not have a proper expiration date.
• A hand sink was blocked and cleaning brushes were in another sink.
• Employees' uncovered drinks were on food contact surfaces.
• Onions in a box were spoiled, and cans were dented.
• Toxic items were next to food.
• A refrigerator did not have a thermometer.
• Multiple items were dirty, including: a microwave, can opener, knives, plates and gloves.

Management says everything was while the inspection was there. The report show that as well.

And finally we head to Melt at 1711 Texas Avenue. They were cited for eight critical violations.

Owner Brent Murray and head chef Ed Soto invited us into their kitchen to explain the violations.

• Tomatoes were above 41 degrees.

"(Our) salad station and (was) holding tomatoes at 44 degrees instead of 41 degrees, which is three degrees off. So now we're not even using it anymore."

• An employee's uncovered drink was on top of a freezer.

"We had an empty cup (that was left) over from Sunday. One of our kitchen staff left it up here, but we resolved the problem and threw it away. Corrected on site."

• A spray bottle was not labeled.

"All our bottles are labeled glass cleaner or sanitizer, and this bottle (actually) had water in it , and we were using it to defrost the walk-in."

• Toxic items were not properly stored.
• The dish machine was not sanitizing.

"While the health inspector was here, we noticed (a) hose was unconnected, and we called the repairman. He got here in like five to ten minutes, and while the health inspector was here he fixed it."

• A thermometer was not correctly calibrated.

"Apparently it was off, so we threw it away and replaced it with a brand new one."

• Several utensils were broken or soiled.

"When the health inspection came through, he saw some tongs and spoons that were bent or misshapen. They're our favorites, but we had to get rid of them."

• There was no consumer advisory for the consumption of undercooked foods.

"We've been open for more than two years now, and we never knew that we had to have one. Never been told that before, and as soon as they told us we posted a sign."

Murray says all violations were corrected during the inspection.

He adds that most people think they are just a bar, but it's their unique menu - like homemade sweet potato ravioli, certified Angus filets and what some describe as contemporary fusion that has landed them in Texas Monthly again this month.

"We're all about presentation and etiquette here. Melt's food is absolutely delicious. It's completely different than any of the other local restaurants," Kristen Abaquin, waitress, said.