RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - In this Restaurant Report, we met Travis Milton, co-owner and chef of the Parkside Cafe, 3514 Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond, who knows the importance of a clean kitchen.
"My parents worked for the Health Department. I grew up in a Health Department environment my entire life, so I think that's just me and my upbringing," Milton told us.
Parkside's inspection scores usually make his parents proud. But this time the Cafe had 5 critical violations, including that the sandwich fridge was not keeping foods the required 41 degrees.
"Our low boy cooler was running about 45 degrees, if I recall correctly. I had our refrigeration people come out that day," explained Milton.
Violations were corrected and he says two violations were because he was using too much sanitizer and cooking some foods at a higher degree than required, in his efforts to be safe. But the cafe had 4 critical on a follow-up inspection a month later. Milton showed us those were corrected, too, including that the menu now lets customers know that some steak may be served raw.
Milton showed us, "The corresponding menu items that may be served raw or undercooked have the asterisk so the customer knows to take a look back down."
He says you can count on him for a clean dining experience. "I am hands-on with everything in the kitchen. I cook everything."
Also in Richmond, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar at 1501 East Cary Street had 4 critical violations. The inspector wrote that utensils, pans and lids were soiled to sight and touch. Violations were corrected during the inspection. We contacted Buffalo Wild Wings but did not receive comment.
In North Chesterfield, Roma's Restaurant at 6581 Ironbridge, had 4 critical violations. An employee made sandwiches with their bare hands. All violations were immediately fixed.
And check out the high-tech Coke machine! Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen at 7302 Midlothian Turnpike is the first to have Coca-Cola Freestyle, which dispenses 100 different types of cokes, sports, drinks, lemonades and waters.
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