ALL food handlers (managers and wait staff alike), should be required to participate in a food handlers course. They should be certified and educated about the proper way to handle food. Here is a link to another county that REQUIRES it's workers to be certified. For $10, the health department has eliminated any excuse from restaurant management about improper food handling. An excellent first step in trying to eliminate health problems that arise in food establishments. St. Joe would do well to emulate such a program:
http://www.sbcounty.gov/dehs/first/firstfoodhandlersclasses.htm
Additionally, a restaurant rating would make it much easier for patrons to identify potentially hazards food establishments. Here is Wikipedia's take on restaurant ratings:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restaurant_rating
Not only is restaurant rating good for patrons, but also encourage restaurants to perform at the top of their game. They want that positive public exposure, and I believe will work diligently to get, and keep, an "A" rating. Just another idea from this Joe.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Basics of a Restaurant Inspection, Part I
Courtesy of The City Weekly, please check out this .pdf file that outlines expectations from the health inspector:
http://www.stjoemo.info/manager/pub/12-31-08.pdf
http://www.stjoemo.info/manager/pub/12-31-08.pdf
Smoke-Free Restaurants
As a large supporter of smoke-free restaurants, I was thrilled to discover that the City of St Joseph has published a list of smoke-free establishments. (Perhaps they feel the same way I do?)
Here is the link - please, please, please patronize these restaurants, and let them know you appreciate them providing a safe air environment for you!
http://www.stjoemo.info/health/smokefreerestaurants.pdf
Here is the link - please, please, please patronize these restaurants, and let them know you appreciate them providing a safe air environment for you!
http://www.stjoemo.info/health/smokefreerestaurants.pdf
Olive Garden
5312 N Belt Hwy
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 901-9211
Across from the North Shoppes
Visit date: 1/23/09
Meal ordered: Lasagna
Cleanliness of restaurant - 5
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 2
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: Yup, it's an Olive Garden. A NEW restaurant at that. I expected the restaurant to be clean, and the restrooms clean and well-stocked, and I was satisfied with the cleanliness of both. A late afternoon arrival, I didn't expect to wait long for a seat, but was told it would be a 15-20 min wait. I decided instead to take a booth with no wait time in the non-smoking bar area. The hostess did not volunteer the seat and appeared to be slightly agitated at my request to take advantage of the no-wait seat. I waited nearly 8 minutes to be acknowledged by any wait staff, declined a menu in the hopes of speeding along the visit, ordered promptly, and my order was half delivered. I had to request the rest. It was a lengthy wait for breadsticks, a staple item at the Olive Garden restaurants. The kitchen staff dumped our hot plates on the table, with lukewarm food, and hurriedly ran to the next table, where her friend was sitting so that they could catch up on old times. When I left, there were 6 booth seats open and available in the well-guarded bar area, and a long list of families waiting to be seated. Had they known it was open seating, I'm sure most of those patrons would have gladly opted to eat in the bar area.
Overall recommendation:
You just can't beat the soup/salad & breadstick combo that comes with every meal. A great appetizer. I ordered Alfredo dipping sauce to go with the bread sticks... Yummy! The food is obviously frozen or cooked en masse and placed on plates that have been sitting under heat lamps, although it really isn't too bad! Pretty average/above average food, with good presentation. Expect a clean facility, and to spend approx. $15 per person. It is a comfortable environment for families as well. One drawback is the tight dining quarters with 1/2 booths (bench seating on one side, chairs on the other). You may be sitting uncomfortably close to your neighbor, and an "unclosed" booth may make it difficult to reign in a toddler! The restaurant staff can be expected to deliver mediocre service.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 901-9211
Across from the North Shoppes
Visit date: 1/23/09
Meal ordered: Lasagna
Cleanliness of restaurant - 5
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 2
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks: Yup, it's an Olive Garden. A NEW restaurant at that. I expected the restaurant to be clean, and the restrooms clean and well-stocked, and I was satisfied with the cleanliness of both. A late afternoon arrival, I didn't expect to wait long for a seat, but was told it would be a 15-20 min wait. I decided instead to take a booth with no wait time in the non-smoking bar area. The hostess did not volunteer the seat and appeared to be slightly agitated at my request to take advantage of the no-wait seat. I waited nearly 8 minutes to be acknowledged by any wait staff, declined a menu in the hopes of speeding along the visit, ordered promptly, and my order was half delivered. I had to request the rest. It was a lengthy wait for breadsticks, a staple item at the Olive Garden restaurants. The kitchen staff dumped our hot plates on the table, with lukewarm food, and hurriedly ran to the next table, where her friend was sitting so that they could catch up on old times. When I left, there were 6 booth seats open and available in the well-guarded bar area, and a long list of families waiting to be seated. Had they known it was open seating, I'm sure most of those patrons would have gladly opted to eat in the bar area.
Overall recommendation:
You just can't beat the soup/salad & breadstick combo that comes with every meal. A great appetizer. I ordered Alfredo dipping sauce to go with the bread sticks... Yummy! The food is obviously frozen or cooked en masse and placed on plates that have been sitting under heat lamps, although it really isn't too bad! Pretty average/above average food, with good presentation. Expect a clean facility, and to spend approx. $15 per person. It is a comfortable environment for families as well. One drawback is the tight dining quarters with 1/2 booths (bench seating on one side, chairs on the other). You may be sitting uncomfortably close to your neighbor, and an "unclosed" booth may make it difficult to reign in a toddler! The restaurant staff can be expected to deliver mediocre service.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Chili's
5105 N. Belt Highway
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-5750
At the North Shoppes
Visit date: 1/17/09
Meal ordered: Oldtimer cheeseburger
Cleanliness of restaurant - 2
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 3
Staff (overall) - 2
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks:
Your typical chain restaurant, most people know exactly what to expect when patronizing Chili's. Staff were readily available to greet me as I entered, and I was seated as quickly as possible. The restaurant itself presents an appearance of not being properly cleaned and maintained. A sticky floor, table, and seat was the "MO", and the restroom had debris on the floor. I appreciated being seated quickly, however, my waitress fell short. She was rarely available, my glass was never refilled, and my to-go box was never brought. My biggest pet peeve with most wait staff is that they rarely give you a second glance, yet want to be your biggest friend when it comes time to pay the bill. This waitress completed that profile. I had to wait a substantial time for my meal, which looked like it had been thrown on my plate with some cold, reheated french fries.
Overall recommendation:
This restaurant is good for those seeking a casual, "American" food dining experience. Do not hold high expectations for cleanliness before entering the facility, be prepared to spend approx. $8-$12 per person, and be ready to spend more than an hour inside for your dining experience. A kids menu is available, and the child's menu makes it easy for young 'uns to order for themselves. Alcoholic beverages are priced on par with other comparable restaurants, beverages are served quickly, but are scant on the alcohol itself.
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 279-5750
At the North Shoppes
Visit date: 1/17/09
Meal ordered: Oldtimer cheeseburger
Cleanliness of restaurant - 2
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 3
Taste of food - 3
Staff (overall) - 2
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks:
Your typical chain restaurant, most people know exactly what to expect when patronizing Chili's. Staff were readily available to greet me as I entered, and I was seated as quickly as possible. The restaurant itself presents an appearance of not being properly cleaned and maintained. A sticky floor, table, and seat was the "MO", and the restroom had debris on the floor. I appreciated being seated quickly, however, my waitress fell short. She was rarely available, my glass was never refilled, and my to-go box was never brought. My biggest pet peeve with most wait staff is that they rarely give you a second glance, yet want to be your biggest friend when it comes time to pay the bill. This waitress completed that profile. I had to wait a substantial time for my meal, which looked like it had been thrown on my plate with some cold, reheated french fries.
Overall recommendation:
This restaurant is good for those seeking a casual, "American" food dining experience. Do not hold high expectations for cleanliness before entering the facility, be prepared to spend approx. $8-$12 per person, and be ready to spend more than an hour inside for your dining experience. A kids menu is available, and the child's menu makes it easy for young 'uns to order for themselves. Alcoholic beverages are priced on par with other comparable restaurants, beverages are served quickly, but are scant on the alcohol itself.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Fuji's
2209 N Belt Hwy
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 676-0699
Near Anderson Ford
Visit date: 1/1/09
Meal ordered: Hibachi grilled filet mignon
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 5
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks:
This restaurant delivers. Staff available to greet me as I entered, and I was seated as quickly as possible. My glass was never empty, and I was asked if everything was satisfactory. When paying, my bill was promptly processed and returned without a wait. A to-go box was offered prior to departure. The restrooms were blandly decorated, but clean and well stocked. My chef prepared my food as directed and I felt I received exactly what I paid for. The dining area decor and environment are welcoming and appropriate for the style of food prepared.
Overall recommendation:
I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for "hibachi" grilled food. I did not partake of the sushi offered, so have no comments in that regard. Be prepared to spend approximately $20> per person with a beverage. Kids menu choices are offered as well. And feel free to strike up a conversation with the other patrons who may share your grill!
St Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 676-0699
Near Anderson Ford
Visit date: 1/1/09
Meal ordered: Hibachi grilled filet mignon
Cleanliness of restaurant - 3
Value for food - 4
Food appearance - 4
Taste of food - 4
Staff (overall) - 5
NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT - YEAH!
*Rated on a scale of 1-5
Remarks:
This restaurant delivers. Staff available to greet me as I entered, and I was seated as quickly as possible. My glass was never empty, and I was asked if everything was satisfactory. When paying, my bill was promptly processed and returned without a wait. A to-go box was offered prior to departure. The restrooms were blandly decorated, but clean and well stocked. My chef prepared my food as directed and I felt I received exactly what I paid for. The dining area decor and environment are welcoming and appropriate for the style of food prepared.
Overall recommendation:
I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for "hibachi" grilled food. I did not partake of the sushi offered, so have no comments in that regard. Be prepared to spend approximately $20> per person with a beverage. Kids menu choices are offered as well. And feel free to strike up a conversation with the other patrons who may share your grill!
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