ESCONDIDO (KGTV) - A beloved Mexican restaurant in Escondido, Anejo Bar & Grill, closed Tuesday after failing a routine health inspection due to a vermin infestation.
Observed several live and dead cock roaches in monitoring traps in dry storage area and in prep area behind grill. Observed live german cockroach under hot holding unit. Observed live german cockroach behind hanging white board near ice machine. Observed live german cockroach on wall between wall and bar at kitchen entrance from bar/dining area. B) Obseved drain flies inside facility, abate and exclude all vermin. Facility is closed due to vermin activity.
-Health Inspection Report June 19, 2018 (obtained by 10News)
The inspection noted other minor violations:
- Approved Equipment and Utensils
- Equipment and Utensil Storage, Use
- Floors, Walls, and Ceilings
- Holding Temperatures
- Nonfood Contact Surfaces Clean
- Plumbing
During the lunch hour Thursday, long-time patrons were shocked when they realized why the restaurant was closed.
Anita and her husband Raman Calla have been going to Anejo's for years, about twice a month, "we usually share the fajitas and my two girls like the burritos." She said they were always clean and had great service, and they enjoyed coming to this restaurant because of the vegetarian options.
The couple said they don't know if they would come back, if the restaurant reopens.
A neighbor of the family who runs Anejo's came out to see it was closed for herself, "my sister called me and told me what was going on, and I couldn't believe it." The woman did not want to show her face on camera and said her name was Marie.
"Oh it's terrible, I think it's a terrible thing and I hope they get it under control or something, I'm not sure what's going to happen," Marie said.
A group of men who work across the street came over hoping to watch the second half of a soccer game during their lunch break and were shocked when they heard why the restaurant was closed. "I'm glad I don't have to eat here then," Brandon Miller said, "whatever the inspector needs them to do, hopefully they'll comply and get things sorted out."
"From what I could tell [everything seemed clean]. I never really paid too much attention, just put a lot of blind faith in the establishment keeping things on the up and up," Miller said.
Prior to this inspection, the restaurant has no other violations.
You must remain closed until this facility is reinspected and you are given written approval to reopen. At the reinspection, no imminent health hazard may exist. If a second follow-up is needed, a reinspection fee must be paid. You may request a hearing to show cause to this Department why your permit should not be suspended. Requesting a hearing will not stay this code. Any hearing request must be filed with this Department in writing within 15 calendar days of the date of this notice. A Notice of Closure advising the public that this facility does not have a permit to sell food shall be posted.
-Health Department Food Inspection Report June 19, 2018
