Mar-a-Lago Kitchen Doubles As Germ Warfare Research Lab, Say Big Gubmint ‘Health Inspectors’ – Wonkette (blog)

Still not as gross as actually eating at Mar-a-lago

Near the end of a long week like this, its tempting to wish we could be like Donald Trump and just hop on Air Force One to take off for Mar-a-Lago and a weekend of relaxing golf and rage-Tweeting. But then we read this fine Miami Herald report on Palm Beach County health inspectors latest visit to the resorts restaurant, and yecch, we sure are glad we get to stay home in Boise and have coffee and a bagel right here in our apartment. The inspection took place just before the state visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in late January, and the deets are not pretty:

Inspectors found 13 violations at the fancy clubs kitchen, according to recently published reports a record for an institution that charges $200,000 in initiation fees.

Three of the violations were deemed high priority, meaning that they could allow the presence of illness-causing bacteria on plates served in the dining room.

Heres the part we dont get, although as Carl Hiaasen fans, we probably shouldnt be surprised: Despite the nasties the inspectors found, they nonetheless determined the kitchen met minimum standards and would not have to be shut down. So the place passed, even with all the grotty conditions. Guess Florida is a lot more lax than other places, maybe?

OK, detail time. Youve been warned. If yucky grody food stuff is not your bag, please go read about something more cheerful, OK? Heres what inspectors found at the resort owned by the most powerful guy in what we used to call the Free World (costs have gone up):

Fish designed to be served raw or undercooked, the inspection report reads, had not undergone proper parasite destruction. Kitchen staffers were ordered to cook the fish immediately or throw it out.

In two of the clubs coolers, inspectors found that raw meats that should be stored at 41 degrees were much too warm and potentially dangerous: chicken was 49 degrees, duck clocked in at 50 degrees and raw beef was 50 degrees. The winner? Ham at 57 degrees.

The club was cited for not maintaining the coolers in proper working order and was ordered to have them emptied immediately and repaired.

50-degree beef? Are they certain that wasnt just a really, really slow cooker?

Among less-serious violations, inspectors found water temperatures in kitchen sinks that werent hot enough for ideal hand-washing, and rusty shelves in walk-in coolers. But no rat droppings, so theres that.

The Herald notes that when Donald Trump spent more time at the resort micromanaging things, Mar-a-lago had very few health violations, but that after he began running for president and wasnt around much, the health violations began rising. In 2015, the place had just two violations; in 2016, inspectors found 11.

While ready-to-eat food can be stored for up to seven days, inspectors at DJT reported finding the old caviar and yogurt, duck that dated back to June, veal stock and tomato sauce that was almost two weeks old, and expired peanut dressing and black bean chili.

Inspectors found no measures to destroy parasites in undercooked halibut and salmon, and noted that raw tuna was being improperly thawed. Icicles were found in a faulty freezer.

On reinspection, Trumps Vegas steakhouse managed a grade of A and was allowed to reopen.

So theres maybe some insight into why Trump ruins his steak by ordering it well-done. He has no reason to trust his own kitchens. Yecch.

Yr Wonkette is supported by reader donations, so to help us keep the Sekrit Chatcave from being overwhelmed by roaches, please click the Donate clicky!

[Miami Herald]

Visit link:

Mar-a-Lago Kitchen Doubles As Germ Warfare Research Lab, Say Big Gubmint 'Health Inspectors' - Wonkette (blog)