Mi Tierra South Restaurant

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11 observed tube from soda gun draining into handsink. Instructed person in charge to install longer drainage tube to extend to floor drain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed gaskets on cold holding units in need of cleaning. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain. Observed shelving in rear walk-in freezer with excessive rust. Instructed person in charge to remove rust or replace.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed build up of coffee and debris on floor in coffee station area. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain floors of debris and spillage.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.14 observed ceiling vent in employee washroom with excessive dust. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed tube from soda gun draining into handsink. Instructed person in charge to install longer drainage tube to extend to floor drain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed gaskets on cold holding units in need of cleaning. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain. Observed shelving in rear walk in freezer with excessive rust. Instructed person in charge to remove rust or replace.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed corner area of ceiling in rear dish washing room with black mold like spots. Instructed person in charge to remove mold and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of coffee and debris on floor in coffee station area. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain floors of debris and spillage.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling vent in employee washroom with excessive dust. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed surfaces of liquor well and some equipment (blenders, large pitchers in rear prep bar as well as bar connected to dining area in need of cleaning in order to prevent pest harborage.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaky faucets on 3-compartment sink in door dash prep (nuevos). Instructed to repair and maintain in good condition.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide adequate shelving units and elevate all unused equipment and other items stored on the floor in the basement

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed bar floors in rear prep, behind all large 2-door cooling units, and behind heavy equipment (grills) with heavy food debris. Instructed to remove, clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rice, walnut and seasoning 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.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store in sanitizing solution between uses.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop laying on top of ice in prep area and bar. Instructed manager to store ice scoop handle up above ice to prevent contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn/damaged rubber gasket on door of the cold holding in the prep area. Instructed to repair or replace gasket.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors and walls throughout the back kitchen area behind the equipment with build up of grease, food splatter, and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rice, walnut and seasoning 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.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store in sanitizing solution between uses.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop laying on top of ice in prep area and bar. Instructed manager to store ice scoop handle up above ice to prevent contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn/damaged rubber gasket on door of the cold holding in the prep area. Instructed to repair or replace gasket.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no irreversible thermometer on site at time of inspection for measuring the utensil surface temeperature. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors and walls throughout the back kitchen area behind the equipment with build up of grease, food splatter, and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed various debris and grime on floors throughout rear prep and dry storage area. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed various debris and grime on floors throughout rear prep and dry storage area. Instructed person in charge to clean and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violation from report #2537765 dated: 11/4/2021 not corrected: #58 no allergen training as required for city of chicago certified managers. Instd to obtain training and maintain certification on site. Instructed person in charge to come into compliance and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11: interior panel of ice machine in disrepair, cracked. Instd to replace and maintain same

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

Inspector’s note: Interior panel of ice machine in disrepair, cracked. Instd to replace and maintain same

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

Inspector’s note: Found torn refrigeration gaskets on multiple refrigeration units throughout facility. Instructed to replace all torn gaskets and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail dried food debris from interior contact surfaces of reach in coolers in prep area, instructed to maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must remove rust from storage racks in walk in freezer, surface must be smooth and easily cleanable, instructed to maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky faucet base on 3-comp sink, instructed to maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean loose food debris from under and behind heavy equipment throughout prep areas, floors in walk in coolers and freezers. Instructed to maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

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

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must install protective shield over light in rear prep area, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed unsealed ceramic service bowls and clay drinking cups on site. Instructed to use proper food grade utensils/equipment that is nonabsorbent and resistant to chiping.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed unsealed ceramic service bowls and clay drinking cups on site. Instructed to use proper food grade utensils/equipment that is nonabsorbent and resistant to chiping.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed handwash sink in rear prep area only able to provide a trickle of water. Instructed to repair and maintain so that sink can provide adequate hot water under pressure. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-030(c), citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 1/4 in gap at the bottom of the back door leading out to the dumpster area. Instructed that doors should be tight fitting to prevent pest harborage.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed cooking equipment in the back kitchen area encrusted with grease and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors and walls throughout thew back kitchen area behind the equipment with build up of grease, food splatter, and food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Dry storage containers not labled. Instd to properly label and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store properly in santizing solution when not in use.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed unsealed ceramic serving bowls and clay drinking cups on site. Instd to use proper food grade utensils/equipment that is non-absorbent and resistant to chipping, scratching, scoring, etc. Also observed cilantro/jalapenos/green onions being stored in original plastic, milk crate type containers from supplier. Large plastic 30 gallon garbage containers being used to store lettuce, salsa, etc in walk in cooler. Instd to provide proper food grade containers, approved for commercial multi-use.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: All attached piping behind cooking lines, sides and underneath grill top and drip pans with excessive grease, and food debris. All storage shelves through out, handwash sink basins and faucet handles, and all storage containers used for clean equipment not clean, debris. Instd to clean all and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Sprayer at dishmachine in disrepair, leaking and wrapped with cloth. Instd to repair and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: All hoods and attached filters above cooking line with excessive grease accumulation. Instd to clean and maintain free of excessive grease.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSIL ON DISH STORAGE SHELF.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIDS ON FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER.WORN DOOR GASKETS ON WALK IN COOLER (MAIN & VEGETABLE),MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON 2-DOOR BAR COOLER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAPS AT 3- COMP AND DISH MACHINES,RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVES.MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA AND 1-COMP SINK AND 3- COMP SINK.MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM GRILL TABLES,WHEEL BASES,FRYERS,INTERIOR OF OVEN,DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE FLOOR ING IN VEGETABLE WALK IN COOLER,BROKEN FLOOR TILE IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST GROUT FLOOR IN MAIN PREP AREA.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,FILTERS AT REAR HOOD.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL TILE NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: LIGHT SHEILD MISSING IN REAR PREP. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA,TORTILLA VENT HOOD.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH HOT AND COLD WATER FOR HAND WASHING.MUST REPLACE MISSING FILTERS AT HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR SMALL TABLE TOP REFRIGERATOR

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no certified food manager on duty and no certficate posted to view while potentially hazardous foods are being prepared,handled and served such as (ceviche,chicken,rice,pork,shrimp,etc). Must provide and post and must be on site at all times.(serious 7-38-012)

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

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original container.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Must invert multiuse utensil on dish storage shelf.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace cracked lids on food storage container.worn door gaskets on walk in cooler (main & vegetable),missing door handle on 2-door bar cooler.must remove rust from grease traps at 3- comp and dish machines,rust from walk in cooler shelves.must provide splash guard at hand sink in bar area and 1-comp sink and 3- comp sink.must provide food grade containers for food storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris from grill tables,wheel bases,fryers,interior of oven,dish storage shelves.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace loose floor ing in vegetable walk in cooler,broken floor tile in rear prep area.must grout floor in main prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean debris from wall behind cooking equipment,filters at rear hood.must repair or replace damaged wall tile near cooking equipment in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: LIGHT SHEILD MISSING IN REAR PREP. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

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

Inspector’s note: Must replace burntout lights in rear dish washing area,tortilla vent hood.

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

Inspector’s note: Must install a hand sink in rear dish washing area with hot and cold water for hand washing.must replace missing filters at hood in rear prep area.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide a thermometer for small table top refrigerator.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior of reach in cooler to remove all food spills. Correct and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: Floors throughout in need of cleaning under and around equipment. Must clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Light sheild missing in rear prep. Must correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Rubber gaskets needed at 2 door reachin cooler for service bar. Must replace and maintain. Cutting boards needed in front bar. Must replace cutting boards when discolored or with deep cuts. Correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Interior of reach in coolers in need of cleaning to remove all food spills. All cooking equipment must be cleaned to remove all grease build up. Pop guns in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must detail cean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: All food items in 2nd floor storage area must be off the floor 6 inches. Floors in box pop room in need of detail cleaninig to remove all spills and build up. Floors in rear prep area in need of detail cleaning to remove all grease build up. Must detail clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Wall and ceiling in boxpop room in need of detail cleaning to remove all splatter and build up. All hood ventialtion units in need of cleaning to remove all grease build up. Must correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Light sheild over front prep area in need of sheid. Must correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide hot and cold water over frozen margarita machine. Leak at 3 compartment sink at rear service bar must be repaired. Pop guns in both bar areas in need of drain line to open drain site. Correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean dust and grease build-up from interior of deep fryer, and sides of cooking equipment in main food prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean debris from floor in basement area where hot water tank is located.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean stains and debris from light shields, and grease/dust build-up from filters in exhaust systems where present.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaky pipe(seal loose) underneath first compartment of 3 compartment sink. Must provide back flow prevention devices for both hose connections in both mop closets. Clean dust build-up from exhaust vents in washrooms. Must repair exhaust systems over cooking equipment in food prep areas.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: All ice dispensing utensils must be properly stored in containers to prevent contamination.