SAN ANTONIO – A Vietnamese and Thai restaurant reopened after Metro Health ordered it to shut down and clean up an “infestation,” according to records reviewed by KSAT Investigates.
Behind the Kitchen Door is a series where KSAT investigates health inspections of restaurants in and around San Antonio.
Manola’s Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine
Metro Health confirmed the restaurant, located at 7212 Blanco Road, was allowed to reopen May 22.
Inspectors originally visited May 11, when they forced the restaurant to shut down because of an infestation.
Pest-related issues made up a third of the restaurant’s violations, according to the inspection report.
KSAT stopped by Wednesday to see how Manola’s has taken care of the issue.
Paula, who runs the restaurant, allowed KSAT’s cameras to go behind the kitchen door.
In the kitchen, inspectors reported finding dead and live pests. Some of the dead pests were found in a soup ladle and cooked rice.
“Was that rice that was going to be served to customers?” KSAT asked Paula.
“I wasn’t here at that day, that is why the problem happened,” Paula said.
Paula said she was shocked and surprised about the inspection results.
“A lot of customers got upset that we closed down because they missed the food,” said Paula.
Paula said she’s made changes in the kitchen to prevent another shut down.
“I just hired a professional chef here,” Paula said. “We are in the hardship, finding help, OK?”
“Our customer safety is our priority,” Paula said.
Other scores from the week of April 12 through April 18:
Mario’s Bakery - 100
1002 Castroville Road
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The Original Blanco Cafe - 100
7394 Fredericksburg Road
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Jack in the Box- 100
10683 Huebner Road
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La Gloria - 100
9800 Airport Boulevard (at San Antonio International Airport)
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The Skinny Pig- 100
3030 Thousand Oaks Drive
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Papa Rami’s Pizzeria - 100
5755 Evers Road
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The Wicked Wich - 100
825 Fredericksburg Road
Score Guide
100-90 = A (Very Good to Acceptable)
89-80 = B (Acceptable to Marginal)
79 or lower = C (Marginal to Poor)
You can catch Daniela’s BKD reports on Thursdays on the Nightbeat.
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