Sewage and wastewater issue leads to state-ordered closure at Benihana

Benihana in Miramar. (Google Maps)

Below is a list of places that were inspected last week by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

According to state records, two were ordered shut, and a “follow-up inspection” was ordered at a third.

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All the places ordered shut were allowed to re-open following an ordered cleanup and then a re-inspection.

**BENIHANA

3261 SW 160TH AVENUE

MIRAMAR

INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT

ORDERED SHUT 10/11

2 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. -bar area -sushi station -4 drains in kitchen area, -2 drains in dishwasher area. -outside of back entrance door by the grease trap Cannot be isolated. Observed employee stepping on sewage. One employee peeling raw shrimp.”

“Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -Dining room area, below customers tables and seats. -Bar area -Front counter facing sushi station-kitchen area.”

**FRITANGA MONIMBO KENDALL

7173 SW 117TH AVENUE

KENDALE LAKES AREA

ORDERED SHUT 10/8

21 VIOLATIONS FOUND

“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 Roach crawling up wall near stove in kitchen area. Also observed 1 roach crawling on mixer on preparation table in kitchen. Observed 1 roach crawling up wall in bathroom near kitchen.”

“Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 7 flies flying around preparation areas in kitchen. Observed 1 fly land on pastry shelf at front counter.”

“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed Fly zapper stored above cooking oil in back of kitchen.”

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs stored above cheese inside reach in cooler.”

“Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic container used as scoop in rice bucket.”

“Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 4 ceiling tiles with water damage in dining area above steam table.”

“Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap underneath exterior door at back of kitchen that leads to the outside.”

“Food stored under dripping water line. Observed at reach in cooler located in the kitchen by main entrance.”

FOLLOW UP INSPECTION 10/9

“Observed 2 live roaches crawling up wall above 3 compartment sink located in the kitchen area, also observed 5 dead roaches on mop sink located next to 3 compartment sink inside the kitchen and 2 dead roaches under the 3 compartment sink. Operator provided pest control receipt conducted on 10/08.”

**CHICKEN KITCHEN

1565 SUNSET DRIVE

SOUTH MIAMI

INSPECTION BASED ON A COMPLAINT

INSPECTION DATE 10/11

6 VIOLATIONS FOUND

FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION REQUIRED

“Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed approximately 5 live small flying insects at front counter area flying and landing on storage cabinets. Observed approximately 6 live small flying insects flying and landing on boxes of condiment cups and aluminum pan in prep area. Observed approximately 5 live small flying insects landing on the walls in the hallway beverage closet. Observed approximately 7 live small insects throughout the lobby and beverage area of the establishment landing on walls, mirrors and tables.”

“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed at walls above point of sales system soiled with approximately 15 dead flying insects.”

“Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed 2 containers of STEM fly bug spray under point of sale system.”

“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease build up at cook line.”

“Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at front display steam table sweet plantains (122F - Hot Holding); as per operator for 30 minutes from oven. Operator placed into oven to begin reheating. Repeat Violation.”


About the Author
Jeff Weinsier headshot

Jeff Weinsier joined Local 10 News in September 1994. He is currently an investigative reporter for Local 10. He is also responsible for the very popular Dirty Dining segments.

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