TOWN HOUSE RESTAURANT & WINE BAR Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WIPE KNIFE WITH WASHING CLOTH, PLACE BACK ON CUTTTING BOARD WIPE CUTTING BOARD WITH SAME CLOTH, NO SANITIZING OF WASH CLOTH. INSTRUCTED ON CROSS-CONTAMINATION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

These activities introduce saliva and contaminants into food areas, potentially spreading bacteria and viruses to customers.

Food employees must not eat, drink, or use tobacco in food preparation areas.

Eating, drinking, tobacco use only in designated areas; Closed beverage containers with straw allowed in some areas; Proper tasting using clean utensil each time; No personal items in food prep areas.

SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW - Comments: OBSERVED RAW SEWAGE BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN IN WOMENS WASHROOM WITH FECAL MATTER ON FLOOR AND ALSO OBSERVED IN THE DISH MACHINE AREA BACKING UP THE WASTE WATER FROM THE BATHROOM. WAS INFORMED THAT ALL PIPE LINES ARE CONNECTED, ALSO UNISEX BATH ROOMS ARE NOT FLESHING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT A LICENSE PLUMBER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA UNACCESSIBLE WITH SANITIZING BUCKET AND SMALL PAN INSIDE. INSTRUCTED USE IS FOR HAND WASHING ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: NO SOAP AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK AT BAR AND NO PAPER TOWEL AT OTHER EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK AT BAR. MUST PROVIDE SAME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.

All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.

Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: NOTED BLACK SUBSTANCE IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TOP AND SIDES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, BLACK SUBSTANCE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: DOORS NOT RODENT PROOF AT 2 FRONT DOORS BOTTOM AND ENTRANCE DOOR TO ESTABLISHMENT ALONG SIDES AND DOWN THE MIDDLE. MUST RODENT PROOF. ALSO NOTED FRUIT FLIES IN DISHROOM,BEHIND BAR AND KITCHEN. MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE AND PROVIDE A COMPLETED MAP IN LOG BOOK. NOTED BAIT PELLETS ON FLOOR OF 3RD FLOOR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: MUST LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: MUST INVERT ALL STORED DISHES WHERE NECESSARY, INCLUDING 3RD FLOOR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REPAIR/REPLACE GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR AT PREP COOLERS.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYER AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT OF GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN FRONT AND BACK FOOD PREP AND KITCHEN AREA. AND ICE MACHINE VENT NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING. BATHROOM VENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE FLOORS THROUGHTOUT PREMISES, INCLUDING 3RD FLOOR. CLEAN ALL DRAINS REMOVE DEBRIS FROM DRAINS AT BAR AND DISH AREA.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN FILTERS OF GREASE ABOVE GRILL AND REPLACE MISSING FILTERS IN FRONT PREP AND COOKING AREA. REPLACE MISSING WALL TILES AT GRILL AREA IN FRONT OF KITCHEN AREA.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT AT HOOD IN KITCHEN. PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN WALK-IN COOLER.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT AT HOOD IN KITCHEN. PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN WALK-IN COOLER.

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.