Restaurant Inspections: 150 Cockroaches at Mello's; Rat Droppings at Argo Tea

Patch examined some of this fall's food inspection reports in Lincoln Park.

Information, which is dated Oct. 8 through Nov. 1, has been compiled using publicly available data published to the website of the Chicago Department of Public Health's Food Protection Program.

Businesses can pass, pass with conditions or fail using a standardized procedure. Establishments that pass don't have any critical or serious violations. Those that receive "pass with conditions" had serious violations, but they were corrected during the inspection. Failed establishments had serious violations that weren't correctable during the inspection. A fail rating does not mean the business's license is automatically suspended.

All inspections are done on a routine canvass unless otherwise noted. 

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McDonald's, 1563 N. Wells St.

Inspection date: Oct. 12
Results: Pass
Comments:  Previous infractions were corrected Oct. 12 during a canvas re-inspection at McDonald's. Floors, cleaning and lighting requirements were up to code. 

Einstein Bros. Bagels, 1549 N. Wells St.

Inspection date: Oct. 23
Results: Fail.
Comments: Although some former infractions identified in a previous inspection were corrected at Einstein's, many were not, the report said. Broken floor tiles in a back prep area still needed to be replaced; a floor needed to be re-grouted; sinking counter tops needed fixing; dusty walls around vents and food stains in prep areas needed cleaning; and loose baseboards needed to be removed and replaced. The wall behind the coffee station had evidence of mildew from being soaked with liquids, which inspectors said had to be addressed to prevent pests.

Karyn's Fresh Corner, 1901 N. Halsted St.

Inspection date: Oct. 9
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors asked that managers wash dishes at a higher temperature (180 degrees) and better protect food during preparation. They also said a stained cutting board needed to be replaced and the following areas should be cleaned: light shields, juicer parts, toaster ovens, prep tables and storage shelves.

Treasure Island Foods, 1639 N. Wells St.

Inspection date: Oct. 10
Results: Fail.
Comments: Inadequate hot water was provided to wash dishes and utensils, inspectors said. The manager called a plumber during the inspection to check the hot water heater. By the end of the inspection, it was fixed. Food also needed to be protected during preparation. Inspectors said they didn't see any evidence of rodent or insect proofing—typically, a written log is in a conspicuous location. They also found fruit flies in the deli prep area and produce aisle. Live fruit flies were on the walls, ceiling tiles and columns in those areas, the report said. Several other infractions were also listed.

Stanley's Restaurant, 1970 N. Lincoln Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 10
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors said they didn't find any sanitizer at the final rinse for either of the restaurant's low-temperature dish machines. A technician showed during the inspection to fix them. They also said ice was not protected from contamination during storage inside the basement ice machine. A slimy substance was found on the inside of the ice machine. Several areas were identified for cleaning during the inspection, the report said.

Costello's Sandwiches, 2235 N. Lincoln Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 11
Results: Pass.
Comments: No comments available.

Chicago Whirly Inc., 1880 W. Fullerton Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 11
Results: Pass.
Comments: Managers were asked to scrape and repaint walls where the paint was chipped.

Etno Village Grill, 2580 N. Lincoln Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 11
Results: Pass.
Comments: Inspectors asked that staff members reattach a baseboard to the wall in the back prep area, repair the ceiling above a prep table, seal the gap between the wall and ceiling in the prep area and provide light shields for fixtures.

Chicago Whirly Inc., 1880 W. Fullerton Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 11
Results: Pass.
Comments: Managers were asked to scrape and repaint walls where the paint was chipped.

Dunkin Donuts, 947 W. Fullerton Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 11
Results: Pass.
Comments: Insect-proof screening was required at a side opening to the alleyway, according to the report. 

Sarpino's Pizzeria, 1149 W. Diversey Parkway

Inspection date: Oct. 11
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Sarpino's passed during the re-inspection, provided managers post the previous inspection results for customers to see. 

Nori Chicago, 954 W. Diversey Parkway

Inspection date: Oct. 15
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors said various types of sushi—shrimp, crab, fish eggs—were being stored at incorrect temperatures. Managers voluntarily discarded $250 worth of food. Inspectors also said ice was not properly protected from contamination inside of the ice machine. "Observed a slimy black substance on the interior surfaces of the ice machine," the report said.

Noodles in the Pot, Inc., 2453 N. Halsted St.

Inspection date: Oct. 16
Results: Fail
Comments: Inspectors said managers failed to keep a written log detailing rodent proofing. Ice was not protected from contamination inside the ice machine, the report said, and a "black slimy substance" was found inside of it. Live fruit flies were found on the walls, ceiling tiles and equipment in the prep area. Standing water was found between the ground and baseboards along the walls in the food prep area. The restaurant passed an Oct. 28 re-inspection with conditions.

Bourgeois Pig, 738 W. Fullerton Parkway.

Inspection date: Oct. 16
Results: Pass.
Comments: Torn door gaskets inside the prep cooler needed replacing. Several other violations were listed including missing ceiling tiles, dirty walls in the food prep area and missing light shields.

Fiesta Mexicana, 2423 N. Lincoln Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 16
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Beef, soup, refried beans, sale, chicken, cooked rice and other foods were being kept at unsafe temperatures, according to the report. Managers voluntarily discarded $300 worth of food. Several plumbing repairs were also needed and inspectors asked that staff keep cooler thermometers in conspicuous locations.

La Bamba Mexican Restaurant, 2557 N. Halsted St.

Inspection date: Oct. 16
Results: Pass.
Comments: Managers were asked to label all bulk food storage containers and date all prepared foods in the coolers.

Subway, 1513 W. Fullerton Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 17
Results: Pass.
Comments: Inspectors ask that staff replace a broken handle on an exposed hand sink in one of the food prep areas.

Treasure Island Foods, 1639 N. Wells St.

Inspection date: Oct. 17
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors said they found a buckled floor in the walk-in freezers, as well as chipped paint on the ceiling and walls of the meat and walk-in coolers.

Mello's Carry Outs, 2100 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 17
Results: Fail.
Comments: Inspectors found a laundry list of violations at Mello's, including a buckled floor in the walk-in freezers and storage area that could impede cleaning; chipped paint on some ceilings and walls; storage of hummus, tamales, hot dogs, polish sausage, hamburgers, and other foods at unsafe temperatures; and a slimy green substance in the chute of the ice machine. They also found "approximately 150 live cockroaches in the prep area, dishwasher area and in the basement." Roaches were reportedly on and inside the walls and inside chest freezers, as well. 

The Meatloaf Bakery, 2464 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 18
Results: Pass.
Comments: Among violations were boxes of stock on the floor in the basement storage area, which should have been elevated off the ground. Inspectors also asked that a loose vinyl baseboard in the washroom be replaced and employees wear hair restraints.

Molly's Cupcakes, 2536 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 18
Results: Pass.
Comments: Light shields were needed above the decorating counter and managers were asked to provide adequate hair restraints for all food handling employees.

Sultan's, 2521 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 18
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Several foods, including mozzarella and feta cheeses, yogurt and some vegetables were reportedly being stored at unsafe temperatures.

Cafe Luigi, 2548 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 22
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors said hair nets were needed for employees and food—in particular, ice—needed to be better protected during storage. They also said there was no hand soap at one of the employee hand sinks during the inspection.

Frances' Restaurant and Deli, 2552 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 22
Results: Fail.
Comments: Employees were told to keep a written log as proof of rodent and insect protection. Inspectors said they found about 40 live fruit flies in various areas of the restaurant including the dining and prep sections. Several utensils needed cleaning, according to the report, as did the ice cream freezer, wire racks in various coolers, stainless steel surfaces and ceiling tiles. The deli passed a re-inspection on Oct. 30.

Angela's Burrito Style, 2556 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 22
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Some foods, including sour cream, various cheeses and chorizo, were reportedly being stored at unsafe temperatures. Managers tossed $150 worth, according to the inspection report. Staff members were also told to post the restaurant's past inspection reports in a place where customers could see them, as is required by the City of Chicago.

Nori Chicago, 954 W. Diversey Parkway

Inspection date: Oct. 22
Results: Pass.
Comments: Staff members were told to clean prep tables, the top of the stove, inside and outside of the broiler, gas lines behind the cooking equipment, wire storage rack on the prep table and walls in the prep area.

Riccardo Enoteca, 2116 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 23
Results: Pass.
Comments: Inspectors asked that an ice bin cover be provided for the bin at the bar, a door sweep be added to the bottom of the basement door and a baseboard be installed around the walls in the basement.

Juice Bar, 1455 W. Webster Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 24
Results: Pass.
Comments: Inspectors said an ice bin in the bar needed a cover. They also asked managers to install a baseboard around he walls of the basement and add sink stoppers for the bar and compartment sink, the report said. 

Cafe Luigi, 2548 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 24
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Re-inspection: Inspectors said stored food needed to be labeled and dated. They also said a window screen was needed on a back door that was kept open during the inspection. The cafe fully passed another inspection on Oct. 30.

Satay, 936 W. Diversey Parkway

Inspection date: Oct. 25
Results: Fail.
Comments: Managers asked that a written log be maintained and available to inspectors detailing proof of protection against rodents or insects. Four live cockroaches were found on the floor in the front prep area, the report said. Cleaning was needed in several areas including food storage shelves, in the coolers, walls and baseboards. The restaurant passed a re-inspection on Nov. 1.

Interurban Cafe & Pastry Shop, 2008 N. Halsted St.

Inspection date: Oct. 25
Results: Pass.
Comments: Light shields were needed in the track lighting area over the food prep area. Inspectors also asked that a working ventilation system be involved in the restroom.

Ja' Grill, 1008 W. Armitage Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 25
Results: Pass.
Comments: Some cooking equipment needed cleaning and openings in the walls of the prep area were in need of repair. Inspectors also told managers to use proper food storage bags.

Argo Tea, 958 W. Armitage Ave.

Inspection date: Oct. 26
Results: Fail.
Comments: Food was being stored at unsafe temperatures, according to the report. Managers discarded $19 worth of milk and creamer. Inspectors said they found about 30 rat droppings on the floor in the basement behind the refrigerators, under the dry storage shelves, near the hot water heater and in the utility closet. 

Mickey's Snack Bar, 2448 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 30
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors said ice was not properly protected from contamination. A discoloration and slimy substance was found on the inside of the ice machine, the report said. Inspectors also told managers to clean spiderwebs from the bottom of the bar near the ice bins.

Leafy Greens, 2468 N. Clark St.

Inspection date: Oct. 30
Results: Pass.
Comments: Some cleaning was needed in the prep areas.

Potbelly Sandwich Works, 2264 N. Lincoln Ave.

Inspection date: Nov. 1
Results: Fail
Comments: Some food items at Potbelly were reportedly being stored at unsafe temperatures. Management discarded $13 worth. Inspectors also said they fund 10 live cockroaches on the floor and underneath the fountain pop machine. They said cleaning was required in several areas of the restaurant, as well as a minor plumbing repair.

Rocks Lincoln Park, 1301 W. Schubert Ave.

Inspection date: Nov. 1
Results: Fail
Comments: More than 50 live fruit flies were found behind the bar area. Specifically, they were on the beer taps, walls, column and three-compartment sink. Slime was found on the inside of the ice machine, according to the report. Cleaning was also required in several areas.