Greetings, fellow food aficionados! Allow me to regale you with the most recent revelations of food safety ratings in Thurston County, as of January 3. Join me as we peruse the inspection reports from the esteemed Thurston County Public Health Office, and let us discover how our beloved dining establishments have fared.

But before we begin, let’s familiarize ourselves with the terminology. Violations are classified as red and blue, with red being the more severe infractions that have the potential to result in foodborne illnesses. If an establishment garners more than 45 red points, it necessitates a reinspection within 10 days. If it exceeds 100 points due to a lack of managerial control, it may face a temporary shutdown.

And now, without further ado, let’s embark on this culinary odyssey!

First on our list is Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill, tallying 35 red points and 5 blue points. Alas, a staff member was caught red-handed, so to speak, handling sliced lemon with bare hands – a clear violation. Additionally, the coleslaw was found to be chillier than the recommended 41 degrees. Not quite the culinary precision we’d expect, my friends.

Turning our attention to 23 Kitchens, they achieved 25 red points and 0 blue points – a respectable score indeed. However, their rotisserie chicken and cooked beef were deemed slightly lukewarm, measuring 124-130 degrees when the ideal temperature should have been a minimum of 135 degrees. Some adjustments are in order!

Pirates Poke and Sip emerged with 20 red points and 5 blue points. Their edamame and shrimp were rather cavalier in their approach to temperature, lingering above the 41-degree threshold. Not to mention, their sanitizing solution was found wanting. Perhaps better fortunes await them in the future, my hearty crew!

Let’s not overlook the plight of Dirty Dave’s Pizza Parlor, whose tale is one of 10 red points and 15 blue points. Their TCS foods failed to conform to the optimal 41-degree coolness, straying into the 46-48-degree realm. To compound matters, their refrigerator was not maintaining the desired 41-degree temperature. It’s imperative that Dave gets his temperature-related woes in check!

On a more uplifting note, Aloha Acai Café, McDonald’s, and MOD Super-Fast Pizza emerged unscathed, shining brightly without a single violation. Bravo, my esteemed friends!

So, fellow epicureans, let these findings linger in your thoughts the next time you venture through Thurston County. Remain observant, stay well-informed, and above all, keep that insatiable hunger for culinary delights burning within you! Cheers to the culinary adventures that await us!