Florida’s rich tapestry of food cultures includes everything from Greek to German cuisines, and tucked away in Clearwater was a beloved Polish gem, the Pierogi Polish Steakhouse and Grill. Known for its authentic Polish dishes like pierogi, stuffed cabbage, borscht, and schnitzel, this spot had carved out a niche for itself among locals and visitors alike. In fact, it had a stellar rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with reviews that often praised its authentic flavors and cozy atmosphere.
But recently, the steakhouse faced a significant setback. During a routine inspection on June 18, 2024, by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, inspectors found 22 violations that were hard to stomach. These ranged from the presence of over 40 dead roaches to a heavily soiled floor, and even grease accumulation that seemed to have been there for more than just a few days.
The violations weren’t just limited to cleanliness. There were also some serious health risks involved. Inspectors noted issues like inaccessible handwashing sinks and a lack of food safety knowledge by the person in charge, which are critical in maintaining a safe dining environment. Perhaps most alarming were the high-priority violations, including live roaches, rodent droppings, and improper temperature controls for perishable foods like milk and beef stew.