Flies swarm food, drinks and owner at Donna restaurant

DONNA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This week's Food 4 Thought tells the tale of two very different kitchens. One is swarming with flies and the other is sizzling with fajitas.

La Playa Mexican Cafe located at 502 South 77 Sunshine Strip in Harlingen is this week's Top Performer.

They passed their Feb. 14 inspection with flying colors.

When awarded their Top Performer sticker Manager, Jose Ramirez was grateful for the award.

"Makes you feel good, proud. Proud of your job," said Ramirez. "That's the main thing for us to have everything safe for our customers to come and enjoy and have a good time."

La Playa Mexican Cafe has been serving ice-cold beer, top-shelf tequila shots, and sizzling fajitas for over 15 years.

When you stop by don't forget to grab a picture with their Top Performer sticker and tell them the Food Patrol sent you.

That's que rico! Now it's que asco time!

The Food Patrol headed to Pollos Asados Veracruz at 8900 North Valverde in Donna.

They got grilled by the Hidalgo County Health Department on Feb. 15 with a whopping 32 violations.

It's time to get serious because many of these violations can get you sick.

They didn't have proper heating equipment to maintain food at its proper temperature and away from the danger zone where bacteria thrive.

Eating food in the danger zone can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.

There is no certified food manager, employees do not have hot water, soap, or towels to wash their hands and they are using wood cutting boards that are not allowed due to blood and juices being able to seep into the wood grooves.

All this smells like trouble for customers because the inspector noted "Ware washing sink not being used correctly."

The food is also being exposed to flies. Not just a few flies. There are flies on the drinks, food, grills, and even me!

The owner, Arnulfo Sanchez does not seem phased by all the buzzing and claims the smoke from the grill keeps the flies away.

Flies aside, they are still using wood cutting boards and the sink has hot water but is still not stocked with soap or being used properly.

The Health Department shut them down until they got hot water and we do not know if they were cleared to reopen.

Sanchez could not show us the new permit, his food manager certificate, or the employee's food handlers certificates.

We gave him our direct email to send the proof he said he had. A week later we still have not received any evidence to show they were clear to reopen.

You’re part of the Food Patrol! When you see dirty habits, please send us photos/videos and a copy of the complaint you filed to your local health department to News@KVEO.COM