Hooker Baristas Exposed

Hooker baristas exposed? Yes, really — coffee shops busted in huge prostitution sting

Breastaurants may be all the rage these days, but several Washington state bikini coffee shops have lost all support after a feeble attempt at covering up. Not that covering up was on the menu for their baristas.

The bikini baristas brewing up controversy are the servers at Java Juggs Espresso, who have been accused of stirring more than just coffee to perk up their customers. Allegedly complicit in a prostitution ring, six of these Washington waitresses were taken into custody along with owner of the coffee chain and alleged madam Carmela Panico. Snohomish County Sheriff Sgt. Darrell O'Neill — a 30-year veteran of the force no less — was also arrested after police discovered he was allegedly exchanging information about the ongoing investigation of Java Juggs for sex with Panico.

Sexual perks were allegedly off menu items — ranging from flashing for cash to sex for cash. One barista reportedly earned $100,000 in "tips" last year.

The big bust happened last week, and details are still skimpy.

Not that the basic concept behind the business — coffee served by bikini clad young women — was at all fishy to begin with. The company's official slogan? "Some Like It Hot."

Sgt. Darell O'Neill, a 30-year veteran of the county's sheriff's office, faces charges of conspiracy to promote prostitution and official misconduct after allegedly accepting sexual favors in exchange for details about an undercover investigation.

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Only one Houston eatery makes the cut on OpenTable's top 100 restaurants

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Restaurant reservation website OpenTable has just issued its new list of the top 100 restaurants in America for 2024, and only one eatery in Houston made the cut: Steak 48, the steak and seafood restaurant in Houston's upscale River Oaks neighborhood.

The "2024's Top 100 Restaurants" is a compilation of the most sought-after and top-ranked restaurants in the U.S. based on 14 million verified reviews on OpenTable from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Restaurants are not ranked, but arranged in alphabetical order by state.

Steak 48, which opened in 2016, prides itself on USDA Prime beef, sumptuous seafood offerings, luxe caviar service, and a unique restaurant design that provides an intimate atmosphere for diners.

"We can accommodate large groups or provide an intimate setting for a romantic occasion, tailoring your experience," the restaurant's OpenTable profile says. "Unique dining nooks provide a different experience each time a guest visits."

The steakhouse is owned by brothers Mike and Jeff Mastro, who famously founded the original Mastro's steakhouse chain in 1998. Most recently, the restaurant impressed golfers and spectators at the Houston Open with its tasty bites and live music.

"Being included in OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in the country is a humbling honor, especially because this is an award that is given based on input from diners around the country," co-founder Jeffrey Mastro tells CultureMap. "Being on this list is a nod to the hard work and professionalism of our entire staff, both culinary and service teams, who deliver the very best experience for each and every one of our guests. My brother Mike and I are grateful for their dedication and commitment."

Steak 48 was one of 10 total Texas restaurants to receive recognition in OpenTable's list. In numbers that seem to reflect the recent Michelin Guide awards, Austin ruled with the highest number of restaurants. On the OpenTable list, Austin scored with seven total establishments, while San Antonio and Dallas, like Houston, each had one.

Worth noting is that two of the Austin establishments, Uchi and Uchiko, both have Houston locations, as does Hudson House, which once again affirms that Houston is a great city for dining.

The full list of Texas restaurants named on OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants for 2024, organized alphabetically, are:

Aba, Austin
Hudson House - Lover's Lane, Dallas
J Carver's Oyster Bar & Chophouse, Austin
Jeffrey's Restaurant, Austin
Red Ash Italia, Austin
Sammie's Italian, Austin
Steak 48, Houston
Signature, San Antonio
Uchi Austin
Uchiko Austin

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