Velvet Taco

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

Inspector’s note: Observed floor drains throughout the facility in need of a detail cleaning from build up. Instructed to clean and maintain as a means of preventing possible insect activity.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor of the large walk in cooling unit in need of a detail cleaning on the floor under the shelving. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the area under the cooking surfaces(flattop,grill) in need of a detail cleaning of grease and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain all equipment.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the wall covering under the front service area where the cash resgisters are located in need of a detail cleaning. Instructed to clean and maintain area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor under the three compartment sink, side of the walk in coolers in the basement and the upstairs service area in need of a detail cleaning. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed openings in basement area that could be possible entry ways for pest and or insects. Instructed to seal all areas as a means of preventing entry.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed standing water at the drying rack area located in the dish washing area. Instructed to remove water and maintain areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor drains in the main kitchen area and basement area with a build up of debris and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Beverage-air cooling unit in the upstairs food prep area across from the hand sink is not working. Instructed to repair unit and maintain in good working condition or must remove as a means of preventing possible harboring space for any possible pest and or insects.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the left side of the soda dispecening unit with a build up of dirt, dust and small debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of dirt, dust and food debris on the side of the walk in cooling unit in the basement as at the shelving unit that sits in front of the walk in cooling unit and the three comp sink area at the grease trap and under the three comp sink. Instructed to clean and maintain all areas a needed as a means of preventing possible pest and or insect activity.

No approval obtained for a specialized processing method.

Inspector’s note: See violation #29 for violation and citaiton issued. Issue citation under violation #29."

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking backflow at utility sink needs repair. Repair backflow according to illinois and local plumbing code. Reference 5-205.15.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15: observed open hole on the bottom of exterior side exit door that leads to dumpster which allows for pests/insects to enter. Exterior doors shall be: self-closing, solid and tight fitting, and limited to designated use.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.116: observed top of grease trap waste container slightly soiled. Facility must clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12: observed vent heaviliy soiled with dust above the handsink/cookline. Facility must clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.114: unnecessary items / nonfunctional equipment (fryer) found at bottom of the "employee only" staircase located on 2nd floor. The premises shall be free of items unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment. This includes equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed open hole on the bottom of exterior side exit door that leads to dumpster which allows for pests/insects to enter. Exterior doors shall be: self-closing, solid and tight fitting, and limited to designated use.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed low water pressure at hand sink located in 2nd floor restroom. Facility must repair and maintain.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed top of grease trap waste container slightly soiled. Facility must clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed vent heaviliy soiled with dust above the handsink/cookline. Facility must clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Unnecessary items / nonfunctional equipment (fryer) found at bottom of the "employee only" staircase located on 2nd floor. The premises shall be free of items unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment. This includes equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 4 dead roaches near basement dish area. Instructed to remove and maintain premises free of dead pests.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: In-use wiping cloths are not stored properly. Found on prep surfaces in basement and upstairs cookline. Cloths used to wipe surfaces and equipment shall be held in a proper sanitizer solution. Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal foods shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. In-use cloths must be laundered dailiy.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Cluttered dirty dish items found scattered on the floor in the basement dish area. Facility must maintain area free of clutter and place dishware at least 6 inches above the floor.- all dishes were placed on shelving at time of inspection.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors in the dish area are soiled with food debris and moisture in dish area. Facility must clean and maintain. Staff has cleaned area at time of inspection.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Unnecessary items found near basement dry storage area. The premises shall be free of items unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment. This includes equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 5 dead roaches throughout basement. Instructed to remove and maintain premises free of dead pests.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed loose baseboards throughout basement and hole in corner of basement near walk-in cooler used to store produce. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of grime, dirt, and food debris on walls and sides of equipment in basement dish area. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed empty light socket covered in aluminum foil in hood above cook line. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed heavy build up of dust on vent in basement dish area. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Basment's kitchen ceiling and walls in poor repair. Excessive mold and dust build-up noted through out kitchen. Instructed to remove, clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Found about 40 live fruit flies in basement's kitchen. Instructed to eliminate. Pest control service recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Basment's kitchen ceiling and walls in poor repair. Excessive mold and dust build-up noted through out kitchen. Instructed to remove, clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Walls in basement kitchen missing base board, instructed to install.

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

Inspector’s note: Must label all food storage containers with common food names when food is removed from original packaging, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 15 live small flies on walls and equipment in basement food prep area. Instructed to remove flies, clean and sanitize the affected area. Contact pest control for service and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38 -030(a) citation issued.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed employee preparing food in front prep area without a hair restraint. Instructed to wear hair restraints at all times when preparing food. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must replace broken door gaskets on multiple prep coolers, instructed to repair and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Must repair loose faucet on handwashing sink on front prep area, instructed to maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean excessive dust accumulation on ceiling vents throughout, maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must repair unfinished drywall in basement prep area, next to prep table, instructed to maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must replace burned out light in hood above cooking equipment, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed prep area low boy 4-door reach in cooler door rubber gaskets ripped. Must replace damaged coolers door rubber gaskets and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease/food debris on exterior of grease trap under 3-compartment sink. Must clean and maintain grease trap.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed one burned out ceiling light bulb above 3-comparment sink. Must replace with working light bulb.

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

Inspector’s note: Evicence of improper pest control. Observed approximately 45 live fruit flies in the basement on walls ceiling and pipes above dishwashing area. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate pest activity. Priority foundation violaton 7-38-020(a) citation issued.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking faucet base at the 3-compartment sink located in the basement. Must repair and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Additional water pressure needed at the exposed hand washing sink located in the basement. Must repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: See violation#60

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violation not corrected from report#2311910 on 09/06/19. Violation #5 moldy ceiling, missing baseboard basement kitchen walls, holes in ceiling of same area, instructed to repair and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued

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

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Loose faucet at 1 comp sink at first floor, instructed to repair

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Moldy ceiling, missing baseboard basement kitchen walls, holes in ceiling of same area, instructed to repair and maintain.

Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

Inspector’s note: Improper cooling down method, found more than 50 lbs of cooked meat stacked tightly in sealed one gallon zip lock bags, instructed to allow cold air to rotate between food containers to facilitate proper cooling. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

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

Inspector’s note: Found 20 live large house flies in basement's food preparation area, instructed to eliminate flies. Pest control service recommended. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a)

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Loose faucet at 1 comp sink at first floor, instructed to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Moldy ceiling, missing baseboard basement kitchen walls, holes in ceiling of same area, instructed to repair and maintain.

Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.

Inspector’s note: No hot water at 2nd floor restroom and basement's prep area hand wash sinks. Instructed to provide no less than 100f water temp at all hand wash sinks. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Walls and ceiling in poor repair at basement dish washing area, noted mold like substance all over ceiling, peeling paint behind clean utensils rack, instructed to eliminate mold and install a durable surface on wall behind rack.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation from inspection report #2184317 dated 7-6-18 not corrected ( observed allergen awareness certificate not maintained. Instructed manager to obtain allergen awareness certificates)instructed to correct violations within given time frame priority foundation violation 7-42-090

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths stored on floor, at front counter. Instructed manager that wiping cloths must be stored at least 6 inches off the floor. Maintain said.

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

Inspector’s note: Observe broken beverage counter door, in front dining room, at time of inspection. Instructed manager to repair and maintain it all times. Observed coving loose and in poor repair under 3 compartment sink. Instructed manager repair and maintain at all times.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust accumulation on vent cover directly above three-compartment sink in basement dish washing area. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all times. Observed excessive dried mineral stains on exterior surface of dish machine in basement dish washing area. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain, at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed water pooling in bottom of 2 door fryer cooler. Instructed to eliminate standing water in this unit.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing coving at wall behind 3 compartment sink. Must replace.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Observed exposed sewer lines directly above the 3 food prep tables in the basement, and observed open food (carrots, corn, etc.) being prepared at these prep tables at time of inspection. Also noted the exposed lines crossing directly over the dish machine. Instructed that all food prep and dish washing areas must be protected from potential overhead contamination at all times. Instructed to provide leak-proof, gutters/shielding on the exposed lines or relocate food prep and dish washing facilities away from exposed lines. Serious violation: 7-38-005(a)

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

Inspector’s note: Observed water pooling in bottom of 2 door fryer cooler. Instructed to eliminate standing water in this unit.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing coving at wall behind 3 compartment sink. Must replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed paint peeling from wall to left of dish machine. Instructed to resurface wall to be smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cloth being used to plug the drain on the backsplash of the center compartment of the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to provide proper drain stopper.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed employee jackets being stored on posts of dry storage shelves. Instructed to provide separate area for storage of employee personal belongings.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling dirty above the prep area in the basement next to the hand washing sink. Must clean, sanitize and remove rust stains.

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

Inspector’s note: FOUND LARGE PLASTIC SPICE CONTAINERS IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED. All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST PROVIDE.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling dirty above the prep area in the basement next to the hand washing sink. Must clean, sanitize and remove rust stains.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed hot and cold running water not running long enough at the unisex restroom on the 2nd floor.must adjust temperature valve at the unisex restroom hand sink on the 2nd floor so as to run at a minimum of 15 seconds with hot and cold running water.must repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must properly label all large plastic bulk containers located in the basement dry storage area and on the 1st floor cooking line. Found flour and rice containers not labeled.must provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Must remove chipping paint and repaint rusted pipes located above the 3-comp sink and above the stainless steel storage racks across from the 3-comp sink so as to have surfaces be smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Must reattach/seal opening between wall and wall coving at the bottom of the stairs leading to the basement on the south side of the wall so as to eliminate the open space. Must clean and remove debri between wall coving and above stated wall.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors along walls and in all corners in need for further cleaning throughout the premises including the floor drains.

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

Inspector’s note: Employee personal belongings must be properly stored in a designated area and maintain.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No certified food manager on site with a valid city of chicago sanitation certificate posted while potentially hazardous foods are being prepared, at this time food handlers where actively prepping foods and cooking steak on the grill.at this time,manager provided copy of a city of chicago sanitation certificate--no xerox copies are acceptable only the original city of chicago sanitation certificate and must be posted as required.. Serious violation 7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors along walls and in all corners in need for further cleaning throughout the premises including the floor drains.

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

Inspector’s note: Employee personal belongings must be properly stored in a designated area and maintain.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No certified food manager present with a city of chicago food sanitation certificate while potentially hazardous foods (chicken,) are being cooked. Management instructed that a certified food manager must be present at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepared or served.no original city of chicago sanitation certificate posted on the premises.instruced to provide and maintain posted as required. Serious violation 7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors along walls and in all corners in need for further cleaning throughout the premises including the floor drains.

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

Inspector’s note: Employee personal belongings must be properly stored in a designated area and maintain.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No certified food manager present with a city of chicago food sanitation certificate while potentially hazardous foods (steaks,rice) are being cooked on grill. Management instructed that a certified food manager must be present at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepared or served.no original city of chicago sanitation certificate posted on the premises.instruced to provide and maintain posted as required. Serious violation 7-38-012.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: Previous inspection report summary was not displayed. Management was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to post it in view of all customers and maintain. Serious violation 7-42-010(b).

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

Inspector’s note: Cutting boards worned-out,with deep cuts at prep areas.instructed to replace and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Light shield broken in the dishwashing area.instructed to replace and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Noted some refrigeration units with no stem thermometers. Instructed to provide stem thermometers on all cooling units and visible for proper temperature monitoring.