Soriano Brothers Cuban Cuisine Ordered Shut Following Failed Health Inspection
State regulators ordered Soriano Brothers Cuban Cuisine in Palmetto Bay to temporarily close its doors last week after a routine inspection uncovered significant sanitation issues, including a swarm of flying insects and kitchen hygiene violations. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation reported a total of 26 violations, four of which were classified as High Priority, leading to the immediate suspension of operations at the 18005 South Dixie Highway location.
Detailed findings from the inspection report outline a severe pest control failure. Inspectors documented a swarm of approximately 35 flies in the front counter area, noting that the insects were “flying all around” and landing on preparation tables. A separate cluster of flies was observed in the kitchen, landing on clean equipment and prep surfaces. Additional sanitary concerns included a can opener blade soiled with a “mold-like substance or slime” and a grooved cutting board at the front counter that was deemed no longer cleanable.
The report further highlighted lapses in employee hygiene and food storage. An employee was cited for touching their hair and subsequently engaging in food preparation without washing their hands. The inspection also revealed that the front counter handwashing sink lacked soap. In the walk-in cooler, boxes of croquetas and lobster were found uncovered, while clean utensils in the kitchen were observed “wet nesting,” a practice that prevents proper air-drying and can harbor bacteria.
Regarding the insect activity, observations suggest a potential entry point for the pests. It was noted that the establishment’s porch doors were left open earlier in the week, which may have contributed to the high volume of flies inside the dining and preparation areas. Restaurant management is required to address these structural and procedural lapses before a re-inspection can occur.
Background information on state protocols indicates that High Priority violations are those that pose a direct threat to public health and safety, such as the presence of live pests, sewage issues, or improper food temperature controls. Establishments receiving such citations must cease operations immediately and are only permitted to reopen after a follow-up inspection confirms that all critical violations have been corrected and the facility meets state sanitary standards.
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