La Catrina — Restaurant in Des Moines

Tacos La Catrina Food Truck, 1440 Des Moines St., Des Moines – During an April 28 visit, inspectors cited the establishment for 21 regulatory violations – an unusually high number, particularly for a food truck. The inspector noted that the person in charge was not a certified food protection manager and that due to the extent of the violations uncovered, it was concluded that the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties. “Due to the lack of water in this mobile unit for the past few days, food employees in this unit were unable to effectively wash their hands and food-contact surfaces could not be adequately cleaned and sanitized,” the inspector reported. “Holding and cooling temperatures were not monitored.” The inspector observed open packages of raw bacon stored above ready-to-eat slices of cheese; bags of cooked chicharrones that were holding at 79 degrees to 80 degrees; and a container of refrigerated beans that was holding at 88 degrees. A container of cooked rice was measured at 93 degrees, and a container of grilled vegetables was 132 degrees. All of the food that fell outside the safety parameters was then discarded, as were cheese slices that were holding at 44 degrees and bags of shredded cheese that were stored at 56 degrees. Because workers were unable to sanitize any of the food-contact surfaces due to the lack of water in the unit, the workers were cleaning utensils and equipment by wiping them with a cloth; there was no bleach or approved sanitizer in the unit. The food truck had not had water service for two days prior to the inspection and yet the owner did not shut down the operation, the inspector noted. Shredded cheese and sour cream were being stored without any temperature control in a shopping cart parked near the food truck. In addition, the inspector noted that there were no thin-tipped food thermometers on the premises; the back door to the unit was propped open, with no screen in place, throughout the inspection; fruits and vegetables were not being washed; the testing kit for the sanitizing solution had never been used, was still sealed in its original packaging, and had expired the previous July; and the beverage dispensers were visibly soiled with accumulated debris. Also, the food truck's license had expired three months earlier on...

Walked up, guy opens window mumbled something 🤷🏽‍♀️Then closed the window and walked away. Mid-day. Noone else in line. First visit there, flop. Drove on over to reliable La Papa😋 not only friendly, but they also take cards...

Friendly service and delicious authentic food. The tacos were superb!

Went back again and had the best quesadilla I’ve ever had in my life. It’s safe to say...