Routine health inspections were conducted on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at several restaurants in Orange County. Three restaurants were ordered to close down temporarily after having failed the inspection. Officials cited multiple health code violations and ordered each establishment to correct the issues before a reinspection can occur.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on May 13 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- The Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health Division found multiple violations on May 13, 2025, in three restaurants.
- Violations ranged from vermin infestations and improper food storage to structural and sanitation concerns.
- Reinspections will be conducted to ensure compliance before the restaurants can reopen.
Three Restaurants Fail Recent Health Inspection in Orange County
The Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health Division ensures safety standards are maintained in restaurants in the area. Routine inspections were held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, where three restaurants were found to have multiple food safety violations. Inspectors have ordered the closure of these restaurants until corrective action has been taken.
Lá Xanh
Where: 5425 W 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
When: May 13, 2025
This Vietnamese restaurant, known for its broth and chilli paste, has failed an inspection for the first time. While small, the restaurant is known for its service, however, health safety inspectors found some serious violations during their latest visit. Some of these violations include:
- Rodent droppings and live cockroaches were found in different parts of the restaurant. Some near the prep area, in the dry storage room, in containers above the chest freezer, and more.
- TCS foods were not stored properly in the refrigerator, while other food items were stored on the floor, and not 6 inches off the floor.
- Food containers were labelled in Vietnamese after being removed from their original containers.
- Black grime was seen in the vent, and the equipment was not fully operative. Old food debris was found in different areas of the restaurant.
- Many areas in the restaurant were in need of repair.
A detailed health report shows the multiple violations found at the restaurant.
Kitsch Bar
Where: 891 Baker St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
When: May 13, 2025
Kitsch Bar, located in Costa Mesa, was cited for multiple violations during the recent health inspection. The inspection report detailed the following violations:
- Dead and live cockroaches were found in various parts of the establishment.
- Debris, residue, and filth were found on numerous nonfood-contact surfaces.
- Gaps and crevices were also found in several areas, including the wall above the dry storage area, below the restroom handwashing sink, and more.
- Many areas of the restaurant needed repair, including the faulty plumbing that was observed during the inspection.
A detailed health report on the same can be found online.
Curry and Kabab Bistro
Where: 7114 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
When: May 13, 2025
Curry and Kabab Bistro in Huntington Beach was temporarily closed following several violations reported during its May 13 inspection. Some of these violations are as follows:
- Cockroaches were found in several areas around the establishment, including the storage, and prep areas.
- Gravies were prepared in large quantities in advance and stored in the cooler at improper temperatures.
- Ready-to-eat food was kept together with raw ingredients.
- Food debris and grease accumulated in several nonfood contact areas, including lower levels of the prep table, below compartment sinks, and more.
- The sanitizer concentration in warewashing stations was insufficient, and several utensils and pieces of equipment required repair.
- Clean and soiled linens were not stored appropriately, while utensils were not handled properly.
- The restaurant premises need cleaning and repair in many areas.
The complete health report can be found online.
A follow-up inspection will be conducted once the corrective measures have been taken by these establishments. The restaurants can restart operations once they pass the reinspection. The management at these restaurants can request a hearing within the next 15 days to contest the permit suspension.