La Cocina Mexican Grill

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed beans and rice out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed washroom door not self-closing. Instructed manager to repair self-closing device on washroom door.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed beans and rice out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Found the three compartment sink not maintained; sink is leaking when water from one compartment is drained and waste waster is been collected with buspan under 3 compartment. Instructed management to get drainage system serviced. Priority foundation 7-38-025. Citation issued.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed washroom door not self-closing. Instructed manager to repair self-closing device on washroom door.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in the employee/public unisex toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no covered receptacle in the employee/public unisex toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed no current pest control log book on the premises. Instructed the person in charge that a licensed pest control company and operator must provide at least 2 pest inspections a year, and the reports must be maintained in the logbook. Instructed to provide a current pest control logbook and pest inspection reports. Priority foundation 7-38-020(c). Citation issued.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed boxes of tortillas stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed the person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wet wiping cloths on several prep surface areas and stove area. Instructed to properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution between uses to prevent contamination of equipment & food. Must maintain

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and splashed in the interior of two microwaves located in the kitchen. Instructed to clean and maintain at all times.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle in the employee/public unisex toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed an accumulation of dirt/debris buildup on the toilet room exhaust ventilation. Must detail clean and maintain

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Found cutting boards with an accumilation of black unknown substance. Also noted deep grooves throughout all cutting surfaces. Instructed manager to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate back flow prevention device on the utility sink. Instructed to install and maintain

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Continued non compliance from inspection #2373894 preformed on 6-17-20 for violation #57 instructed to provide food handler training certificates for all food employees. Must maintain on site for review and violation #58 all city of chicago certified food managers must obtain allergen training certificates and maintain on site for review. Core violations not corrected by the specified date on the inspection report are classified as a priority foundation violation 7-42-090

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed stored uncovered containers of ready to eat rice, potatoes, beans, chicken, steak all stored on floor in rear prep area walk in cooler. Informed person in charge and food handler of food storage requirements and source of potential contamination.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed facility back flow prevention device not accessible or missing for utility sink in prep area. Must obtain install and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed facility hood in disrepair (non functional) in rear prep kitchen area above grill. Must repair and maintain.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: : 2-cutting boards have dark deep groves in prep area. Instructed to replace. Prep all pots and food pans must be stored off floor inside of walk in cooler.additional shelving needed inside walk in cooler . Instructed to preovide.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed very unclean dry food storage containers,oregano, flour,etc. Instructed to detail clean throughly or replace

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Peeling paint on walls in rear area behind deep freezers and front prep cooking ara. Instructed to repair walls

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Prepared foods inside of coolers not labeled, dated, ( salsa, tamales, rice, cooked chicken,etc).instructed to label date all foods not in original containers and was prepared over 24 hrs.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: 2-cutting boards have dark deep groves in prep area. Instructed to replace. Prep all pots and food pans must be stored off floor inside of walk in cooler.additional shelving needed inside walk in cooler . Instructed to preovide.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed very unclean dry food storage containers,oregano, flour,etc. Instructed to detail clean throughly or replace.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Peeling paint on walls in rear area behind deep freezers and front prep cooking ara. Instructed to repair walls.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Observed cooked pork and chicken tamales in cooler not labeled. Instructed to provide.also cooked tamales stored insde grocery bags inside freezer. Instructed that grocery bags are not allowed for food storage. Instructed to use only food grade bags or containers.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed unclean/ soiled card board on lower shelf of rusty prep table .instructed to remove card board and repair rusty shelf.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Peeling paint on walls in rear area behind deep freezers. Instructed to repair walls.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found slight build up at the interior panel of ice machine. Must clean,sanitize, and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Found open gaps at the edge of wall, at top of 3-comp sink and also at the wall tiles at the same location. Must seal,repair and maintain.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Found empty boxes and other variou items in the restroom on the floor. Must declutter the above stated area. Itmes must be 6 inches off the floor at all times.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector’s note: Observed one food prep staff member without a hair restraint. Must always provide.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Found wash cloth improperly stored on top of a prep table. Must always properly store wash cloths in sanitizing solution until used.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Prepared foods inside coolers and freezers not in original containers not labled/dated.must install

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found prepared foods,(tamales,etc) stored inside freezer in grocery bags.must remove.must only use food grade storage bags

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Lights not shielded above ice machine.must install

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Thermonter inside prep cooler in poor repair.must replace

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Prepared foods inside coolers and freezers not in original containers not labled/dated.must install.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Found prepared foods,(tamales,etc) stored inside freezer in grocery bags.must remove.must only use food grade storage bags.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Lights not shielded above ice machine.must install.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: No metal stem thermometer for food handler to monitor food temperatures.must provide. Alo thermonter inside prep cooler in poor repair.must replace.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Interior upper panel in ice machine not clean.must clean.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Peeling paint on walls in prep area.must repair. Also unclean walls in employees washroom.must clean/maintain.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must properly date and label all foods not in original containers at all times including all prepared and cooked foods in refrigerators and walk-in cooler. In the upright 1dr freezer must use food grade bags to store frozen foods. Found frozen tamales and tortillas being stored in white plastic shoping bags.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean, sanitize and repaint rusty exterior of the grease trap box located in the basement. Must repaint or replace extremely rusty stainless steel shelving rack inside the walk-in cooler located on the left hand side.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must repaint/replace water damaged ceiling tiles located above the walk-in cooler. Must seal opening at wall base meeting with the top middle compartment of the 3-comp sink.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repair difficult to open hot water faucet handle at the mop sink. Must provide a back flow prevention device at the mop sink at all times. Must repair loose hot water faucet handle at the exposed handsink( handle is in operating condition at this time).

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Must provide all food staff on premises with illinois food handler's certificate. Must provide above stated document for all staff.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Clean floor along wallbase at corners and around heavy equipment at rear prep area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Replace/repair water damaged ceiling tiles in prep area and where necessary.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Slow drain at mop sink. Must repair.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Clean interior of grease in deep fryer.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Clean floors in prep area, throughout.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Remove clutter in staff washroom organize and maintain at all times.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector’s note: Food handlers need proper hair restraints in prep area.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Properly store ice scoop in ice machine to prevent handle from ice contact.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must properly label large bulk plastic blue bins containing rice located in the rear hallway.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must provide a splash guard at the exposed handsink next to the mop sink.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and sanitize interior of deep fryer at the kitchen to remove excessive grease build-up. Also the interior of the upright 1dr freezer to remove food debris.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must repair/seal large holes in the wall in the staff restroom next to the handsink.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Must replace burnt out light bulb at the 1dr upright freezer.

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Must provide a self-closing device for the staff restroom door at all times.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Must declutter and better organize items in the staff restroom. Observed construction machinery and supplies on the restroom floor.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Must properly store wash cloths in sanitizing solution at all times.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Food stored in coolers must be covered, dated or labeled.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves & ripped door gaskets of small cooler across grill must be replaced.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Dust or grease build-up on filters & other attachment to the interior of the hood, above the cooking equipment must be kept clean. Dusty fan guards of rear upright cooler must be cleaned also.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Hot water faucet knob at handswink is loose, must fix.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Any clutter or unnecessary articles in the rear hallway must be removed & maintained.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED PLASTIC CONTAINERS ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED WATER STAINED/DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP AREA BY REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST REPLACE ALL DAMAGED CEILING TILES/CEILING TILES MUST BE SEALED AND TIGHT FITTED.

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WASHROOM DOOR.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. PREP REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR ALL DAMAGED COOLER DOOR GASKETS.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE(UPPER PORTION OF MACHINE). MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE ALL DAMAGED CEILING TILES.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS OF FOOD STORED IN COOLERS MUST HAVE DATES/LABELS.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. ANY CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP/DARK GROOVES MUST BE REPLACED & MAKE ALL FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES SMOOTH/EASILY CLEANABLE.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE, FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & 2-DOOR COOLER BY W.I.C. DOOR-DUE TO DUST/DEBRIS BUILD-UP.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INTERIOR OF HOOD & ATTACHMENTS TO IT MUST BE FREE OF GREASE/DUST; ANY GREASE/WATER STAINED CEILING TILES BY COOKING AREA MUST BE REPLACED.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES, & SOLUTION REPLACED AS OFTEN AS NEEDED.