In the eight most recent restaurant inspection reports released by the Darien Health Department, six restaurants were rated "Good" in the town's rating system and two received ratings of "Fair."
None were given a "Poor" rating.
The following list shows what scores local food-serving establishments received under the state scoring system ("state rating," in which 1-4 points are deducted for each violation, with 100 being a perfect score) from Darien Health Department inspectors.
The Health Department also gives a rating under the Darien system ("Darien rating," in which a "Good," "Fair," or "Poor" is given to restaurants that pass inspections). Also shown below are the inspection date and comments by the inspectors as noted in inspection reports. The comments, which each refer to a numbered list of state inspection elements (here omitted), are separated by semicolons (";"). Occasionally an inspector will make general comments at the end of the report (see the Aug. 9 report from Woodway Country Club as an example).
These reports are listed in chronological order by date:
- Post Corner Pizza, 847 Post Rd. -- July 26
Darien rating: Good
Inspector's remarks: "Interior lower shelf of reach-in cooler not clean; cleaning materials stored in hand sink; in-use utensil not properly stored; shelves in reach-in refrigerator starting to rust -- replacement needed, or repaint"
- Tengda Asian Bistro, 25 Old Kings Hwy. N. (Goodwives Shopping Center) -- July 26
Darien rating: Good
Inspector's remarks: "Various food items not protected -- left/stored uncovered; numerous containers on floor of walk-in freezer; in-use utensil stored in food item -- rice; gasket on walk-in cooler in disrepair; reusing of single-use container as food dispensing utensil; floor juncture at entrance to kitchen is in disrepair; wall surface at entrance to kitchen is in disrepair."
- Fuji's Restaurant, 111 Old Kings Highway North -- July 26
Darien rating: Fair
Inspector's remarks: "External thermometer of reach-in refrigerator in disrepair -- replace immediately. Internal OK -- temperature 38 degrees; can opener not sanitized at least every four hours -- dried, caked-on food residue buildup; blade of can opener not clean (see previous remark); exterior of refrigerator not clean -- food spillage/residue buildup around handles; cleaning materials left in hand sink; strong odor coming from carpet"
- Woodway Country Club pool snack bar, 540 Hoyt St. -- Aug. 8
Darien rating: Good
Inspector's remarks: "In-use knives and tongs not properly stored; soiled wiping cloths not in sanitizer between use; the under-side of milkshake unit not clean. Food residue buildup; gasket/seal around door of reach-in refrigerator not clean; jumbled utensils in container"
- Woodway Country Club, 540 Hoyt St. -- Aug. 9
Darien rating: Good
Inspector's remarks: "No paper towel at hand sink in pantry area; spoons not inverted in storage container; pre-set tableware in both dining areas; very clean, very good temperatures, both hot and cold, very good sanitization practice and very good food protection practices"
- Jake's Place, 4 Ledge Rd. -- Aug. 9
Darien rating: Good
Inspector's remarks: "Food container with meat stored on floor of walk-in cooler; chef used bare hands to handle food item; tongs not properly stored -- hung on shelf bracket; floor in front of refrigerator not clean; hood filters not clean -- moderate to heavy grease buildup; no hot holding, reheating or cooling at time of inspection -- cook and serve only"
- Vavala's Delicatessen/Caterer, 156 Heights Rd. -- Aug. 13
Darien rating: Fair
Inspector's remarks: "Thermometer missing from walk-in cooler -- replace immediately; raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat deli meats and cheese; paper towel dispenser in disrepair; side of fryer and stove not clean -- very heavy grease and food spillage buildup; grease buildup on hood filters; grease disposal/storage area not clean -- heavy grease build-up spillage"
- Estia's American Kitchen, 1020 Post Rd. -- Aug. 13
Darien rating: Good
Inspector's remarks: "Thermometer not calibrated; food items not covered in reach-in refrigerator; sanitizer strips not available to check concentration of solution; squeeze bottles not labeled; ice scoop stored in ice"
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