Station 1 keeps it clean, 2x ¡Que Rico! Top Performer

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In this week’s Food 4 Thought, a top performer is now a two-time sticker recipient and is thrilled to be featured again.

The Food Patrol is also heading to a seafood spot that failed its inspection report.

The violations are stacking up like a seafood lasagna ... which does not sound appetizing either.

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

The Food Patrol is surprising the team at Station One Bar and Grill, located at 1662 Sam Houston Dr in Harlingen. The bar and grill passed its July 29 inspection report, making it this week’s Top Performer and joining an elite class of two-time top performers.

(Health Inspection Report)

The Food Patrol surprised them back in September 2022.

“It feels awesome, honestly. It has been great. Get recognized for our hard work for sure," Ventura Garcia, General Manager for Station One Bar and Grill, said.

Garcia and Chef Cecilia Alvarez set the standards.

“It made me feel proud because I tried my hardest to keep the kitchen super clean," Chef Alvarez said.

Everyone takes pride in their work to make it a quality experience. The customers are the ones cashing in because when they see they see the sticker, it is a sign of excellence.

“It is something you have to look for these days, because you never know what's going on back in the back room," a customer said.

With a second sticker on the door, high standards, and only three months away from 2026, Station One is on track to be a three-time top performer.

That’s que rico, but it’s que asco time!

The Food Patrol is staying in Cameron County and is heading to Cocteleria El Amigo Seafood, located at 1644 International Blvd. in Brownsville.

The Inspector spotted a lot at the seafood spot, and they flat out failed their July 10 health inspection.

A score of 60 means 40 violations were spotted.

• Missing food labels (A kitchen must have labels with dates of when the food was made or opened)
• The floor was greasy
• Dishes were not being washed correctly
• Proper food cool-down methods were not being used (This violation is because bacteria and microorganisms can grow and get you sick)

The Food Patrol arrived to speak with the owner, Ricardo Ochoa, but he was not present.

However, the Food Patrol did get to speak to him on the phone.

"They did an inspection report, but some modifications have already been made," Ochoa said.

Ochoa says some corrections have been made and would not let The Food Patrol enter back there while speaking with him on the phone.

"No, right now nothing can be done. I would need to be there. We would need to schedule an appointment for another day. Ochoa said.

However, he has not called The Food Patrol back.

And that’s Food 4 Thought!

¡Qué rico que asco!

Remember 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.