Los Comales #3

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

Inspector’s note: 3-305.11 observed dry storage items stored under a sewer pipe in the basement prep area. Instructed to remove and do not store items under sewer pipes.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed cardboard being used as a floor liner under the rubber mats by the cooking equipment. Instructed to remove cardboard, all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11 observed interior of fryer with accumulated food and grease debris and the pipes behind the cooking equipment with accumulated grease debris. Instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19 observed an exposed concrete wall surface on the wall located by the hand washing and 3-compartment sinks. Instructed to seal concrete wall to make said surface smooth, easily cleanable, and nonabsorbent.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of live insect activity on site. Observed about 100 live small flies on the pipes/ceiling of the basement food prep area and about 50 live small flies on the ceiling and walls of the customer dining/juicing prep area on the 1st floor. Instructed to eliminate live small flies activity, clean and sanitize affected areas, and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed black plastic bags being used to cover the hot holding units (with tcs foods inside) at the 1st floor food prep area. Instructed to remove.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19 observed an exposed concrete wall surface on the wall located by the hand washing and 3-compartment sinks. Instructed to seal concrete wall to make said surface smooth, easily cleanable, and nonabsorbent.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.11(b, c, d, e) observed raw meats stored directly in plastic grocery bags in the basement walk-in cooler. Management instructed to use only food-grade storage bags or containers.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-101.11(b, c, d, e) observed raw meats stored directly in plastic grocery bags in the basement walk-in cooler. Management instructed to use only food-grade storage bags or containers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 80 live fruit flies inside the premises. Observed approximately 70 on the ceiling and walls of the basement prep area and 10 inside the basement employee washroom. Instructed management to contact pest control for service to eliminate all pest activity from the premises and to clean affected areas. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed raw meats stored directly in plastic grocery bags in the basement walk-in cooler. Management instructed to use only food-grade storage bags or containers.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed the rear exit door that leads to the alley with a hole in the concrete on top of the door and a 1/2 inch gap at the bottom far right of said door. Instructed to repair hole in the concrete and make entire said door tight fitting and rodent proofed.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-305.11 observed a uncovered sewer pipe located in the basement food prep area and 1st floor front food prep area. Instructed to provide protection (smooth and easily cleanable material) around said sewer pipes in order to protect from any possible contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of live insect activity on site. Observed about 60 live small flies on the ceiling in the basement food prep area, about 2 live large flies flying around the 1st floor customer dining area. Instructed to eliminate live insect activity, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed the rear exit door that leads to the alley with a hole in the concrete on top of the door and a 1/2 inch gap at the bottom far right of said door. Instructed to repair hole in the concrete and make entire said door tight fitting and rodent proofed.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-305.11 observed a uncovered sewer pipe located in the basement food prep area and 1st floor front food prep area. Instructed to provide protection (smooth and easily cleanable material) around said sewer pipes in order to protect from any possible contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: 5-203.12 observed the basement food prep area employee toilet room is out of order. Instructed to repair. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-030(c).

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed the rear exit door that leads to the alley with a hole in the concrete on top of the door and a 1/2 inch gap at the bottom far right of said door. Instructed to repair hole in the concrete and make entire said door tight fitting and rodent proofed.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-305.11 observed a uncovered sewer pipe located in the basement food prep area and 1st floor front food prep area. Instructed to provide protection (smooth and easily cleanable material) around said sewer pipes in order to protect from any possible contamination.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-302.12 observed no metal stem thermometer on site to take temperatures of cold and hot foods. Instructed to provide. Employee provided a metal stem thermometer at the end of the inspection. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of live insect activity on site. Observed about 75 live small flies in the basement food prep area, and about 5 live small flies and 2 live large flies flying around in the 1st floor food prep area/customer dining area. Instructed to eliminate live insect activity, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed the rear exit door that leads to the alley with a hole in the concrete on top of the door and a 1/2 inch gap at the bottom far right of said door. Instructed to repair hole in the concrete and make entire said door tight fitting and rodent proofed.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-305.11 observed a uncovered sewer pipe located in the basement food prep area and 1st floor front food prep area. Instructed to provide protection (smooth and easily cleanable material) around said sewer pipes in order to protect from any possible contamination.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.15 observed outside dumpster area not maintained. Observed overflowing garbage and lids not tight fitting on the outside garbage dumpster and outside grease dumpster lid with accumulated grease and also not tight fitting. Instructed to make all said lids tight fitting at all times, do not allow garbage to overflow and clean outside grease dumpster lid or replace. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(b).

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-303.11 observed additional lighting is needed inside of the walk in cooler that is located in the basement food prep area. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of live insect activity. Observed about 10 live small flies on the walls located by the drink prep area. Instructed to clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed accumulated debris on the handles of the prep cooler located by the cooking equipment. Instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no closed receptacle inside of the basement toilet room and in the women's toilet room that is located in the customer dining area. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed accumulated food debris on the floors located under the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to clean.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-303.11 observed additional lighting is needed inside of the walk in cooler that is located in the basement food prep area. Instructed to provide.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping clothes improperly stored on prep tables, instructed to properly store in sanitizing solution when not in use.

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

Inspector’s note: See violation #60

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the ladies toilet room trash receptacle with out a cover, instructed to provide cover for trash receptacle.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed non compliance on violation #48 from report #2285374, dated 4/18/2019 correct by date jul.18,2019. Priority foundation 7-42-090 citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed improper labels on the quart of rice water(packaged & capped on site), and cakes. Being offered for retail sale. Instructed on proper labeling for prepackaged foods for retail sales.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed aluminum foil lining the hot holding units, and cardboard on flattop next to fryer, instructed to remove, so surfaces are smoth, even, and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the cutting boards in the basement prep area worn, instructed to replace and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 50gal. Container and a 100gal container being used to store tcs foods, instructed to remove from these containers and use proper equipment. Or have a written procedure for alternative manual warewashing equipment.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the first floor rear dish area, and basement dish area cracked/missing tiles, instructed to replace, also regrout the basement floor.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food (raw chicken) stored in non food grade containers. Observed bulk ready to eat foods, stored without any labeling. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles above prep area on the first floor. Must provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed broken vent in women's restroom, and broken hood above stove. Must repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food being stored under waste pipe in basement. Observed in front prep area the dishes being washed next to stove with water splashing onto stove where food will be prepared. Observed raw beef stored above ready to eat salsa in the walk in cooler. Observed open pots of ready to eat food cooling on floor in basement prep. Must protect food during storage, prep, display, and service. Must not store raw foods above ready to eat foods. Serious violation# 7-38-005(a)

Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered

Inspector’s note: Observed a pool of excess grease, on the lid, covering the outside of, and on the ground around the grease container outside. Must clean, and maintain. Serious violation# 7-38-020

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food (raw chicken) stored in non food grade containers. Observed bulk ready to eat foods, stored without any labeling. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles above prep area on the first floor. Must provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed broken vent in women's restroom, and broken hood above stove. Must repair and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Observed no working thermometers in coolers. Instructed to provide.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed cup with no handles being used and stored directly in ice bucket used for human consumption. Must provide ice scoop with handles and store with handle having no direct contact with ice.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: Inspection report summary from 6/12/17 was not posted in the establishment visible to customers. Management was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to post it in view of all customers. Serious violation 7-42-010b.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn and missing door gaskets inside of the 2 door and 3 door prep coolers in the 1st floor prep area. Management instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair the wall behind the 3 compartment sink in the basement food prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: The door to the employee washroom in the basement that opens into the food prep area is not self-closing. Management instructed to install a self-closing door device on the washroom door.

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

Inspector’s note: Food not protected from contamination from the public during display. Observed containers of carrots, cauliflower and peppers stored at each table without a lid and tongs while customers were seated at the tables. Also, observed a fly strip stored above a bag of onions in the basement food prep area. Management instructed to protect food from contamination at all times. Serious violation 7-38-005a.

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

Inspector’s note: No certified food manager was present while potentially hazardous foods (beans at 180.7f) were being prepared and served. Management instructed that a certified food manager must be present at all times potentially hazardous foods are being prepared and served. Serious violation 7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn and missing door gaskets inside of the 2 door and 3 door prep coolers in the 1st floor prep area. Management instructed to repair and maintain. Observed duct tape around the faucet for the 1st floor 3 compartment sink. Management instructed to remove tape and repair. Observed frozen meats stored in plastic grocery bags in the walk-in freezer. Management instructed to store all food in food grade storage bags or containers only.

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

Inspector’s note: The door to the employee washroom in the basement that opens into the food prep area is not self-closing. Management instructed to install a self-closing door device on the washroom door.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty storage shelves in basement walk-in cooler, instructed to remove rust.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed standing water on the basement floor, instructed to remove, keep floor dry.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dining area, and restrooms light shileds not clean, instructed to clean. Also remove the graffati from the mens restroom ceiling, and replace water damaged ceiling tile in ladies room.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected from report #1533212 on 4-13-15 45-no food handler certificates available during inspection. Instructed manager to provide certificates or documentation of enrollment in food handler training. Serious violation 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: Replace missing floor drain cover in basement prep area. Clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in basement prep, storage, and walk-in cooler areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Install self-closing device on staff washroom door in basement prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Elevate all stock off floor in basement prep area. Organize basement walk-in coolers. Provide separate area for cleaning supplies in wait station. Store mop heads upright to prevent insect breeding.

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers in basement prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Grout loose floor tiles in basement walk-in cooler. Replace missing and damaged floor tiles in basement prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair ventilation fans in first floor men washroom and basement staff washroom.

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

Inspector’s note: Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store washcloths in sanitizing solution.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: No food handler certificates available during inspection. Instructed manager to provide certificates or documentation of enrollment in food handler training by 7-13-15.

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

Inspector’s note: Improper storage containers (grocery bags) being used to store food. Instd to use proper food grade containers. Raw wood surfaces on site. Instd to seal/paint all raw wood.

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

Inspector’s note: Walls and ceiling in basement not clean, splashed with food debris. Clean same and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Improper stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Instd to provide proper stoppers. Basement exposed handsink loose from wall. Instd to secure, have tight fitting.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Internal thermometers missing from coolers. Provide same.

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

Inspector’s note: Stock on floor. Instd to elevate stock 6 inches.

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

Inspector’s note: Improper dispensing utensils (styrofoam cups, bowls) for bulk items. Instd to provide proper utensils.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior of walk-in cooler and front 2 door cooler.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean floor basement under storage and front under grill/prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean ceiling fan's/ vents.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean light shields dusty in dining area.

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

Inspector’s note: The basement knife holder is damaged and unsanitary, repair or replace so the knives have a sanitary storage space.

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

Inspector’s note: The basement floor and the top of the stairs in the kitchen has loose and damaged tiles, repair these unsanitary areas so they are smooth and easy to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: The front prep area above the grill is missing light shields, the shields were found and installed.

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

Inspector’s note: The three compartment sink has a small leak, repair the leak.

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. The baseboard behind the basement three compartment sink and in the southeast corner of the 1st floor kitchen is broken and has a hole, repair the baseboards so they are smooth and sanitary

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

Inspector’s note: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. The basement light shields are missing end caps and the shield is missing from the rear first floor prep area, replace or repair shields that are not intact.

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. The screen is missing from the west basement prep area floor, install a screen and clean out the debris stuck in the drain opening.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. Keep a calibrated metal stem thermometer accessible the the food preparation areas to monitor food temperatures.

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. The ice scoop is stored on the side of the machine where the customers sit, store the scoop where it can be protected from contamination.

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. THE LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS FLOUR, SUGAR, BEANS ECT.NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SAME.

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. FOUND RUSTY FOOD RACKS IN THE WALKIN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST AND PAINT WITH NON TOXIC PAINT OR REPLACE THEM.

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. REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE BASEMENT. .

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. THE REAR AREA AND THE STAIRS ARE VERY SLIPPERY WITH GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME AND CHANGE MOP HEADS OFTEN.