Feb. 19, 2018 By Tara Law
Two Elmhurst Latin American restaurants have been closed temporarily by the Health Department.
Mexican restaurant El Toro Bravo at 88-12 Roosevelt Ave. and Dominican restaurant El Tucan at 43-24 91st Place were each closed after inspections on Feb. 15.
El Toro Bravo was cited for numerous sanitary violations, including evidence of mice. A health inspector slapped the restaurant with 55 violation points.
The inspector cited the restaurant for the following violations. The first three were listed as critical.
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
2) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.
3) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
4) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
5) Non-food contact surface improperly constructed. Unacceptable material used. Non-food contact surface or equipment improperly maintained and/or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit.
Meanwhile, at El Tucan, an inspector found evidence of rats on premise. The restaurant was written up for a number of violations, racking up 71 points.
The Health Department cited the following violations at El Tucan. The first three were listed as critical.
1) Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations.
2) Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
3) No facilities available to wash, rinse and sanitize utensils and/or equipment.
4) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.
