ELLE COCINA
222 NW 1 AVE, Trenton FL 32693 · 352-281-4907
Last inspected Mar 3, 2026 · 7 visits since November 2023
APR 24
SEP 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
MAR 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two flies flying in kitchen near cookline. One fly storage shelf near cookline.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Mar 3, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 11 findingsThe state's own report →
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Several pans of pico prepared today read "Use by: 3/24" on shelf inside reach-in cooler at end of kitchen. Manager added new labels to the pico during this inspection.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. One reduced oxygen package of frozen cooked pork prepared and vacuum sealed on site missing time mark, but has date mark of 1/28 inside reach-in freezer at end of kitchen.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside top of refrigerated make-table: 1. pico (45F - Cold Holding); grilled onions (45F - Cold Holding). An employee stated both items were filled from the walk-in cooler approximately 15 minutes prior and may have sat on the table too long. The employee spread both items on a sheet pan and placed them into the walk-in cooler to cool to 41F. pico (45F 2:45, 41F 3:25 - Cooling); grilled onions (45F 2:45, 38F 3:25 - Cooling) 2. salsa (45F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the salsa has been stored inside the refrigerated make-table since the previous day and has not been removed from refrigeration. Stop sale issued. 3. Inside reach-in cooler at end of kitchen: meatballs (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the meatballs have been stored inside the refrigerated make-table since Thursday and have not been removed from refrigeration today. Stop sale issued.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Several spray bottles containing glass cleaner and stainless steel polish stored on shelf beside box containing tea on lower shelf of prep table in drive-through area. An employee removed all chemicals from the shelf during this inspection.
Show the remaining 7 findings ▾
Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Back door of kitchen has a hole leading to outside and large gap below the door.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. One co2 tank not secured near mop sink.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf above mayonnaise on dry storage rack. Manager removed the drink from the shelf during this inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food packaged using a reduced oxygen method without a HACCP plan not properly labeled with the production time and date. Several reduced oxygen packages of grilled mushrooms that are cooked and vacuum sealed on site not individually labeled with time and date. Manager added proper labeling to all items during this inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food packaged using a reduced oxygen method without a HACCP plan not removed from its package within 48 hours after packaging. One reduced oxygen package of frozen cooked pork prepared and vacuum sealed on site missing time mark, but has date mark of 1/28 inside reach-in freezer at end of kitchen. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Pan containing cauliflower rice thawing on top of reach-in freezer at room temperature. The cauliflower rice is still frozen. Manager moved the cauliflower rice back into a cooler to continue to thaw under refrigeration.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Ceiling above warewash area soiled with dust.
Aug 27, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle containing ibuprofen stored on shelf directly above case of tortillas in kitchen near cookline. Manager removed medicine from the shelf during this inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside reach-in cooler near cookline: black beans (49F - Cold Holding). Ambient air temperature is 57F. Employee stated the cooler was working properly just one hour before. Employee moved the beans into the walk-in cooler to cool to 41F and unplugged the cooler to let it defrost.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Several bottles containing "Windex" glass cleaner and "The Works" bathroom cleaner stored on shelf directly above prep table containing salt, drink mixers, and drink dispenser. Manager removed all chemicals from the shelf during this inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling above warewash area soiled with dust.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on prep table in kitchen near walk-in cooler. Employee removed the phone from the table during this inspection.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor in kitchen worn and/or cracked.
Feb 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Pan containing raw chicken stored on shelf directly above pan containing raw ground beef inside walk-in cooler. Employee moved the raw chicken to bottom shelf during this inspection.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Lemonade nozzle at fountain machine soiled with brown substance. Manager removed nozzle and placed it into the warewash area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nested drink cups on counter near refrigerated make-table in prep area near server station.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Unsealed plywood floors inside prep room near server station.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Stained ceiling tile over dry storage she,bing in kitchen. 2. Ceiling tile and air vent over ware wash area soiled with dust.
Sep 10, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. On shelf inside walk-in cooler: brisket (73F - Cooling 3 hours); brisket (84F - Cooling 3 hours). Labels on both pans show the brisket was cooked at 10:30am. Manager stated the brisket began cooling between 11am and 12pm. Both pans of brisket are cooling in deep covered pans. Stop sales issued.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. On shelf inside walk-in cooler: brisket (73F - Cooling 3 hours); brisket (84F - Cooling 3 hours). Labels on both pans show the brisket was cooked at 10:30am. Manager stated the brisket began cooling between 11am and 12pm. Both pans of brisket are cooling in deep covered pans.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two flies flying in kitchen near cookline. One fly storage shelf near cookline.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. On shelf inside walk-in cooler: brisket (73F - Cooling 3 hours); brisket (84F - Cooling 3 hours). Labels on both pans show the brisket was cooked at 10:30am. Manager stated the brisket began cooling between 11am and 12pm. Both pans of brisket are cooling in deep covered pans. Stop sales issued.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing sanitizer missing label hanging on wall near server station. Manager added proper label during this inspection.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Ceiling tile above storage rack in kitchen stained. 2. Ceiling tile near walk-in cooler door stained. 3. Air vent in server station soiled with dust.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Damaged and peeling floor in several station.
Apr 2, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Aerosol spray cans containing bug poison and metal polish stored on lower shelf of table in server station beside sleeve of takeout cups. Employee removed chemicals from shelf during this inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at yellow spigot on side of building near statue.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink cup stored beside clean dishes on lower shelf of prep table near walk-in cooler. Employee removed drink cup from table during this inspection.
Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Grease receptacle lid left open beside building.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwash sign at handwash sink in prep area of kitchen. Manager posted a handwash sign at sink during this inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of rice and flour bins at cookline soiled with black substance.
Mar 11, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 2, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Tortilla chip bins lined with nonfood-grade trash bags. Manager removed liner from bins during this inspection.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Inside reach-in cooler drawer at cookline: two ROP packages of salmon thawed inside ROP package. Package states to remove fish from packaging before thawing.
Operator is doing a special process, conducting reduced oxygen packaging, cooking time/temperature control for safety food to a time and temperature combination lesser than those in the Food Code or operating a molluscan shellfish tank for human consumption without a HACCP plan approved by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants. Establishment is using reduced oxygen packaging with cooked and cooled TCS foods. Establishment does not have an approved HACCP or variance. Inspector provided special process guidance handout and sent operator an email with a link to special processes on the DBPR website. http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/special-process/#1678822013930-f26ccafa-af2d
Records/documents for required employee training appear to be falsified. Three food handler cards with whiteout covering original name and dates, written over in pen.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing sanitizer missing label at kitchen entrance. Manager added proper label during this inspection.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Co2 tank not secured near boxed sodas at kitchen entrance. Manager secured co2 tank durable this inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Air vents above warewash area soiled with dust.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Inside reach-in cooler drawer at cookline: two ROP packages of salmon thawed inside ROP package. Package states to remove fish from packaging before thawing. Stop sale issued.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink cup on shelf beside clean plan lids at cookline.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nested plastic pans on lower shelf of prep table in back of kitchen near walk-in cooler.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.