Photos show repeat fly, hygiene violations for taco spot

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If there is one thing the Food Patrol loves, it is supporting people doing the right thing and the right way.

This week’s top performer is taking your food, safety, and experience seriously. While they are earning a 100 score, another has nearly two dozen violations.

Even though they locked us out, with customers still inside, we have the photos.

Here’s what que rico and what’s que asco in this week’s Food 4 Thought!

The Food Patrol surprised the team at Provecho y Salud located at 119 West Van Buren Ave in Harlingen.

Provecho y Salud earned a 100 score on their May 14 inspection report, making them this week's top performer.

"It makes me feel great, made my day! I’m honored!” said John Vargas, owner of Provecho y Salud.

Vargas shared how important it is to spend time with the staff and taste everything because customers always find out first.

The upscale dining scene is growing in Harlingen.

Provecho y Salud's drinks, such as their watermelon Tajín margarita and dragon berry superfruit mojitos, are the picture-perfect pairing for a night out.

“Get the red snapper. It has a roasted red bell pepper sauce on it, comes with corn riblets and a cilantro lime rice, that’d be great.” Vargas, the owner of Provecho y Salud, shared.

Provecho’s attention to detail is attracting out-of-town eaters, who marvel at the colors, cuisine, and cocktails.

The Food Patrol added a Top Performer sticker on Prvovecho y Salud's door.

That’s que rico!

But it’s que asco time!

The Food Patrol is heading to Tacos Ricos La Leña 2, located at 2215 West Mile 5 Rd in Mission.

The Food Patrol has questions about their 22 health code violations, and these photos are from their May 15th Hidalgo County health inspection report.

The photos are evidence of the following:

• Kitchen staff are not using dates and labels, failing to disclose when the food has been made or opened.
• The sink does not have soap or paper towels, but it has lighters.
• Their mesh screen ceiling is crumbling
• Problem with flies

We took the report and the photos to the restaurant to talk to Luis, the owner, but the doors were locked.

The Food Patrol spotted a family eating inside, but no one came to open the door for about four minutes.

Luis, the owner, was not at the restaurant but did tell his employee where to find their reinspection report from June 27.

They had 11 violations, some of which were repeated issues, such as the flies.

The inspector noted in the report that the dead flies in the fly glue trap hanging from the ceiling must be removed.

Their sinks are still missing soap and towels, which are the essentials for washing their hands.

Additionally, inspectors found the restaurant using an ice chest to keep food fresh.

The Food Patrol would play some of our phone conversation, but Luis was cursing a lot and kicked us off the property.

And that’s Food 4 Thought!

!Que rico!

!Qué asco!

Congrats to Provecho y Salud…

If you stop by, tell them the Food Patrol from Food 4 Thought sent you and take a picture with the sticker.

Hey, a reminder that you are a part of the food patrol!

If you see something que asco or gross, take a video, a picture, and send it to your local health department.

Send it over to the Food Patrol at News@KVEO.COM.

A message to all the restaurants is that the food patrol is always watching!