EL TACONAZO JR. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED HOT TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE; FOUND A CONTAINER OF COOKED PASTOR IN THE COOKS LINE AREA (UNDERNEATH THE FLAT TOP GRILL ON A SHELF) AT 105F, AND A LARGE CONTAINER OF COOKED STEAK ON THE FLAT TOP GRILL RANGING FROM 80F-110F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HOT HOLDING FOODS MUST BE AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. FOOD DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE "SAUCE" WALK-IN COOLER, AND THE "MIMIS" GLASS DOOR COOLER IN THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED COOKED RICE IN THE STEAM WELL BEING HOT-HELD INSIDE A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: FOUND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED; SINK IS SLOW DRAINING. WHEN WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINED; WATER BACKS UP INTO ADJACENT COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET DRAINAGE SYSTEM SERVICED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 1-DOOR PREP COOLER ON THE COOKS LINE, AND INSIDE BOTH MICROWAVES.

Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.

All surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED A LEAK AT THE MOP SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND HEAVY GREASE AND GRIME BUILD UP INSIDE THE CREVICES OF THE FLOOR MATS THROUGHOUT THE COOKS LINE AND PREPARATION AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL RUBBER FLOOR MATS AND MAINTAIN.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED LARGE HOLES IN THE WALLS INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. ALSO NOTED THE WALL BASE PEELING OFF THE WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR HOLES AND REATTACH WALL BASE INSIDE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A WORKING MECHANICAL VENTILATION FAN INSIDE THE WOMENS RESTROOM.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A WORKING MECHANICAL VENTILATION FAN INSIDE THE WOMENS RESTROOM.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.