Rodent issues were reported at Griot Tropical in Miami, where inspectors found extensive droppings and nesting materials, and at Polo Bar & Grill in Pembroke Park, where droppings were discovered inside an oven.
Roach infestations, meanwhile, led to shutdowns at The Hen and the Hog in Hollywood, Sal’s Italian Restaurant in Hollywood, Ayesha Fine Dining in Miami, The Villa in Miami Gardens, Dicrespo in southwest Miami-Dade and Kelly’s Cajun Grill in Cutler Bay.
Inspectors documented dozens of live and dead roaches throughout these kitchens, including inside coolers, under cooking equipment and on food preparation surfaces.
Cleanliness and sanitation problems were also widespread. Griot Tropical, Polo Bar & Grill, Pinolandia 3 in Miami, the Thyme Machine mobile kitchen, Kelly’s Cajun Grill, Ayesha Fine Dining, and The Villa in Miami Gardens were each cited for various sanitation violations, including filthy equipment, soiled floors, mold inside ice machines, blocked hand sinks and wastewater being dumped improperly.
All the places mentioned were allowed to re-open following an ordered cleanup and re-inspection.
**GRIOT TROPICAL
1186 NW 103RD ST
NW MIAMI-DADE
ORDERED SHUT 10/16
19 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 2/1/2024 (RODENT/ROACH ISSUE)
“Live rodent present. Observed one live rodent under ice machine behind front counter/bar area."
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 38 rodent droppings on top of metal rack across oven. Observed approximately 54 rodent droppings under flat grill. Observed approximately 49 rodent droppings under oven.”
“Rodent burrow or rodent nesting materials present. Observed rodent nesting under oven.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach under frying station, one dead roach under oven, 1 dead roach under 3 compartment sink. Located at kitchen area.”
“Objectionable odors in bathroom or other areas of the establishment. Observed objectionable odor from sewer cap next to oven and 3 compartment sink.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave interior soiled with food debris at preparation area.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed white cutting board soiled with black substance at preparation area.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed reach in cooler, oven, reach in freezer door handles soiled with dark substance.”
“Hand wash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink soiled with food debris and black substance at kitchen area.”
“Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 10-01-25.”
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 10/20
" Observed approximately 7 rodent droppings behind reach in freezer at kitchen area. Observed approximately 11 rodent droppings on the floor in dry storage area. Observed approximately 5 rodent droppings on the floor behind reach in cooler behind bar counter."
“Observed one dead roach on the ground behind front bar counter. Also observed on the ground one dead roach next to reach in cooler behind front counter, also observed one dead roach next to reach in freezer in kitchen area.”
**THE HEN AND THE HOG
380 N. PARK ROAD
HOLLYWOOD
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 10/17
12 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 4 live roaches on ground behind 2 door glass slider reach in cooler next to walk in cooler Observed 1 live roach on wall behind 2 door stainless reach in cooler next to walk in cooler. Observed 1 live roach on front left wheel of 2 door stainless reach in cooler. Observed 1 live roach on ground in front of chest freezer next to walk in cooler. Observed 3 live roaches on rusted metal under doors of 2 door glass slider reach in cooler. Observed 1 live roach in control device located under 2 door glass slider reach in cooler. Observed 3 live roaches in top left corner of slide track of 2 door glass slider reach in cooler. Observed 1 live roach on ground in prep area. Observed 2 live roaches in gaskets to 2 door stainless reach in cooler Observed approximately 15 live roaches on wood board behind left side flat top on cook line. Observed 2 live roaches on wood board on wall behind right side flat top on cook line. Observed 3 live roaches in top right gap for drawers under flat top unit on cook line in kitchen.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed approximately 9 dead roaches inside of control device located under 2 door glass slider reach in cooler. Observed 1 dead roaches on top of sealed closed bag over potatoes located on side of 2 door glass slider reach in cooler. Observed 8 dead roaches on ground behind chest freezer. Observed 3 dead roaches on loose wrapped tape on electrical cord above chest freezer. Observed 2 dead roaches on ground in prep area. Observed 2 dead roaches in timer switch box on wall in prep area. Observed 2 dead roaches on hanging tape under front counter in front of cook line.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. cooked potatoes cooling for approximately 1 hour at 2:05 (74F - Cooling) to 72 F at 3:20. Potatoes being cooled on speed rack at room temperature.”
“Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Operator attempted to prime sanitizer. Sanitizer will not prime Instructed operator to manually sanitize wares until repaired. Triple sink set up with quaternary.”
“Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand wash sink plumbing on cook line in disrepair. Water draining directly from sink onto floor.”
“No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.”
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 10/18
“Observed 1 dead roach on ground under flat top on cook line Observed 1 dead roach on ground under flip top cooler on cook line Observed 1 dead roach on ground outside of walk in cooler. Observed 1 dead roach inside of timer switch box on wall in prep area.”
“Observed approximately 3 live roaches in gaskets of 2 door stainless reach in cooler. Observed 1 live roach on ground next to 2 door stainless reach in cooler Observed 2 live roaches in track of 2 door glass slider reach in cooler.”
**SAL’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
2908 OAKWOOD BLVD.
HOLLYWOOD
ORDERED SHUT 10/13
8 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach on door to cook line flip top on cook line in kitchen. Observed 1 live roach in gasket of chest freezer on cook line in kitchen Observed 1 live roach on wall next to ice machine in kitchen Observed approximately 9 live roaches in front left wheel of 10 burner stove on cook line in kitchen. Observed approximately 3 live roaches on wall behind gap in tile at ware washing area in kitchen Observed 3+ live roaches inside of gap along ware washing and cook line hood walls on cook line in kitchen.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach in control device located on ground behind chest freezer on cook line in kitchen. Observed 2 dead roaches on ground behind chest freezer on cook line in kitchen. Observed 1 dead roaches on ground next to ice machine in kitchen. Observed 2 dead roaches in far left oven on cook line in kitchen Observed 1 dead roach on ground under pizza line flip top at front line in kitchen.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Raw salmon in commercially packaged reduced oxygen packaging with a label indicating to be removed before thawing, fully thawed in reduced oxygen package.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employee.”
**AYESHA FINE DINING FROM INDIA
14151 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
PALMETTO BAY
ORDERED SHUT 10/14
13 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach crawling inside reach in cooler gasket and 4 live roaches crawling inside reach in cooler door across from cook line.”
“Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 20+ live insects crawling on ground coriander inside container. Observed approximately 10+ live insects crawling on turmeric powder inside container. Observed approximately 5 live insects crawling on rice inside container. All products stored inside dry storage room.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed approximately 20+ live insects crawling on ground coriander inside container. Observed approximately 10+ live insects crawling on turmeric powder inside container. Observed approximately 5 live insects crawling on rice inside container. All products stored inside dry storage room.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach inside reach in cooler gasket across from cook line and one dead roach on top of reach in cooler across from cook line.”
“Evidence of feeding stray/wild animals - food/water bowls provided outside. Observed plate of cat food stored on shelf outside back kitchen door.”
“Food stored outside. Observed two white chest reach in freezers with frozen raw chicken, raw lamb, peas, samosas stored outside. Observed cases of mango pulp stored outside next to white chest freezers. Observed bags of rice, bags of flour, and bags of lentils store outside on wooden bench.”
“Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled.”
“Accumulation of debris on exterior of ware washing machine. Repeat Violation.”
“Hand wash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand sink blocked by pillow and napkins at kitchen entrance. Repeat Violation.”
“No soap provided at hand wash sink. Observed no soap at hand sink in kitchen. Repeat Violation.”
FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION 10/15
“Observed 1 live roach on top of reach in cooler and 3 live roaches on kitchen floor under reach in cooler and dish area.”
**THE VILLA
19501 NW 2ND AVE
MIAMI GARDENS
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 10/13
25 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 live roach inside an empty food storage container located under the 3 compartment sink.”
“Live, small flying insects found Observed approximately 10+ live flies flying in the storage room located in the kitchen, approximately 5+ live flies landing on raw chicken in the preparation sink and cut cow foot located in the kitchen, approximately 20+ live flies flying and landing on jerk sauce, at juice preparation area and on top of oxtails storage containers located in the kitchen.”
“Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed approximately 10+ live flies flying in the storage room located in the kitchen, approximately 5+ live flies landing on raw chicken in the preparation sink and cut cow foot located in the kitchen, approximately 20+ live flies flying and landing on jerk sauce, at juice preparation area and on top of oxtails storage containers located in the kitchen.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed salt fish (64F - Cold Holding) stored in the walk in cooler overnight, as per operator.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 2 dead roaches on the floor in the storage room located in the kitchen.”
“Food placed in soiled container/equipment. Observed jerk sauce, oxtails, goat, pig foot stored in soiled containers.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled shopping cart inside the kitchen with frozen cow foot on top.”
“Food stored on floor. Observed Cow foot and oxtails stored on the floor in the kitchen. Observed jerk sauce and goat stored on the floor in the walk in cooler.”
“Food being prepared outside. Observed 3 smokers outside cooking jerk chicken.”
“Observed floor area covered with standing water throughout the kitchen, walk in cooler and walk-in freezer. Repeat Violation.”
“No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. By the 3 compartment sink. Repeat Violation.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago.”
**POLO BAR AND GRILL
5590 W. HALLANDALE BEACH BLVD.
PEMBROKE PARK
INSPECTION BASED ON COMPLAINT
ORDERED SHUT 10/14
16 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. 11 Rodent Droppings inside oven in kitchen.”
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Approximately 1 live Roach on wall next to triple sink in kitchen.”
“Accumulation of black mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 1) Atosa Glass- ; Sour Cream (50F); Heavy Cream (53F); Shredded Cheese (49F); Raw Conch (51F) Raw Fish 50F Cold Holding 2) Small Glass Reach in- ; Bean Sprouts (50F - Cold Holding).”
“Employee washed hands with no soap. There were no soap available in kitchen upon arrival. Employee washed hands but didn’t apply soap.”
**DICRESPO STEAKHOUSE
13772 SW 152ND ST.
REDLAND
ORDERED SHUT 10/14
21 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 5 live roaches on dry food racks where flour, fruit cocktail and ketchup is stored. Observed 1 live roach crawling on kitchen floor outside of walk in cooler. Observed 1 live roach in reach in cooler behind ware wash area. Observed 1 live roach behind reach in cooler across triple sink on floor.”
“Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead roach on top of chest freezer. Observed 1 dead roach on prep sink next to dish machine. Observed 1 dead roach outside of men’s restroom.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed exterior of microwave soiled.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed on dry dish and food racks. Observed soiled knife magnet.”
“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in across cook line: raw chicken (50F - Cold Holding); cut tomato (69F - Cold Holding); raw beef (56F - Cold Holding). As per operator, placed 1 hour prior. Observed in walk in cooler: sausages (46F - Cold Holding); potato salad (50F - Cold Holding); cooked rice (54F - Cold Holding); raw steak (44F - Cold Holding); raw beef (44F - Cold Holding); breaded steak (49F - Cold Holding); flan (49F - Cold Holding). As per operator, all items prepped less than 1 hour ago. Repeat Violation.”
“Dish machine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine DM; 0 ppm.”
**THYME MACHINE(MOBILE)
13920 SW 139TH CT.
MIAMI
ORDERED SHUT 10/14
22 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Mobile food dispensing vehicle disposing of wastewater at an unapproved location. Observed MFDV draining hand washing sink and three compartment sink waste water on ground outside of vehicle. Waste water valve was closed.”
“Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee removed EarPods and touch ears area and continue doing food preparation at cook line. Coached operator on correct procedures.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed all cutting boards soiled.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed hummus (55F - Cold Holding); shredded cheese (78F - Cold Holding); raw meat (61F - Cold Holding); milk (58F - Cold Holding) at both reach-in coolers and raw chicken (73F - Cold Holding) on plastic container on floor. As per employee more than 4 hours.”
“Inadequate number/capacity of cold holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed large reach-in cooler with an ambient temperature of 51F, small reach-in cooler with an ambient temperature of 62F, and preparation area small flip top cooler with an ambient temperature of 59F.”
“No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees.”
**PINOLANDIA 3 FRITANGA Y TORTILLERIA
SEASTONE SHOPPING CENTER
10948 SW 184TH ST.
REDLAND
ORDERED SHUT 10/15
29 VIOLATIONS FOUND
“Live, small flying insects found. Observed 10 large flies in the air flying around kitchen area and some landing on clean equipment and food containers. Observed 9 small flies in the air flying around the dry storage area and some landing on the avocados and food containers. Operator was advised to properly wash avocados before use. Also observed 2 flies flying around the dining area landing on clean tables. And when opening the back door, a few more flies entered into the kitchen area.”
“Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed a bug zapper in use stored above a preparation table in the kitchen near exit back door.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled, stored over the preparation table at prep area. Repeat Violation.”
“Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer blade soiled. Repeat Violation.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors in kitchen and preparation areas soiled with oil.”
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in the walk in pork (55F - Cold Holding), cooked chicken (53°F- Cold Holding). As per chef food was stored last night.”
“Hand wash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink at preparation near entry door area blocked by a large trash bin. Also hand wash sink in back of preparation area near exit door blocked by service trolley. Repeat Violation.”
“Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired on 10/01/2025.”
**KELLY’S CAJUN GRILL
20505 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY
SOUTHLAND MALL FOOD COURT
CUTLER BAY
ORDERED SHUT 10/15
24 VIOLATIONS FOUND
ALSO ORDERED SHUT 8/14/2025 (RODENT/ROACH ISSUE)
“Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cut cabbage stored inside walk in cooler at 72°F (Cold Holding). Also observed raw fish (71F - Cold Holding); breaded chicken (78F - Cold Holding); raw chicken (65F - Cold Holding); vegetables (51F - Cold Holding) in the reach in cooler/freezer. As operator product has been stored inside the reach in cooler/freezer at noon. Stop sale was issued. Repeat Violation.”
“Inadequate number/capacity of cold holding units to maintain time/temperature control for safety food at proper temperatures. Observed walk in cooler not capable of maintaining TCS food at 41°F or lower. Ambient thermometer inside the walk in cooler reading 78°F. Also observed the reach in cooler/freezer in disrepair and it had an ambient temperature of 74°F. These are the only two cold holding units in the establishment. Establishment does not have any other cold holding units to maintain food at the proper temperature.”
“Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled the interior of microwave.”
“Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed accumulation of grease on the floor under the grill in the kitchen area. Repeat Violation.”
“Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed the walk in cooler and oven handles soiled with food debris.”
“Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceilings and vents soiled in the kitchen area. Repeat Violation.”
“Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled at the 3 compartment sink with mold like substance and with grease behind the stove. Repeat Violation.”
“Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled the oven and stove with excessive amount of grease and old food debris. Also observed soiled the storage rack across the grill. Repeat Violation.”
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