Inspectors: Live Roaches at Black Duck, Wastewater Backup at Tavish

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

Information, which is dated Dec. 10, 2012 to Dec. 18, 2012, 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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Tavish, 1335 W. Wrightwood Ave.

Inspection date: Dec. 10, 2012
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Inspectors said hamburgers, chicken, wings and pork tenderloin were being stored at improper temperatures. Managers willingly discarded $73 worth of food. A slimy coating was found inside the ice machine, the report said, and no chlorine sanitizer was detected after running the low-temperature dishwashing machine. A technician showed to the restaurant to fix the machine, according to the report. Inspectors said they also found wastewater backing up from a sink in the restaurant. A plumber arrived to tend to that violation. Several other issues were listed, but the restaurant passed a re-inspection on Dec. 11.

Hanabi Japanese Restaurant, 806 W. Webster Ave.

Inspection date: Dec. 12-13, 2012
Results: No entry, then a pass.
Comments: Inspectors weren't able to enter Hanabi during a re-inspection on Dec. 12, but previous violations are listed in that report. Those included a log book proving employees were practicing responsible rodent and insect proofing not being kept. Officials also noted that previous minor violations from Sept. 29, 2011 had not been corrected. At that time, several areas were identified for cleaning, including floors that were "dirty with grease". When inspectors returned to the restaurant on Dec. 13, they said it passed. The only order was to clean the stoves and inside of the coolers and freezers.

2 Sparrows, 553 W. Diversey Parkway

Inspection date: Dec. 12, 2012
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: Several areas were identified for cleaning, including the prep table below the grill and inside "slimy" surface of the ice machine. Inspectors reportedly found exposed silverware on the tables that were not "protected from contamination." Bacon and salmon servings were being cured in the refrigerator without written approval from the Chicago Department of Public Health, which is required before meat can be cured in the establishment. The manager voluntarily discarded $215 worth of food. The restaurant fully passed a Dec. 14 re-inspection, reports said.

Juno, 2638 N. Lincoln Ave.

Inspection date: Dec. 13, 2012
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: No sanitizer was detected at the low-temperature dishwashing machine, according to the report. A leaky sink was in need of repair and unused equipment in the basement needed to be removed. Several other minor violations were listed in the report, including inadequate light above the prep table in the basement.

A New Leaf, 1816 N. Wells St.

Inspection date: Dec. 13, 2012
Results: Fail.
Comments: Inspectors said a hand sink was not available in the storage area at the time of the inspection and they ordered that one be installed there. There also wasn't a "No. 3 compartment sink" provided with a grease trap and drain board to wash and sanitize utensils. Repairs were needed to some of the walls where exposed wood and brick was preventing adequate cleaning. There was also no evidence of rodent or insect proofing; a written log was not maintained and available to inspectors. An opening at the front entrance doors was in need of repair to prevent rodents.

Swirlz Cupcakes, 705 Belden Ave.

Inspection date: Dec. 14, 2012
Results: Pass.
Comments: Managers were asked to replace a torn door gasket on a cooler, detail clean the inside of the coolers and the microwave, clean the floor in the prep area—particularly, around the mixer—and detail clean the walls.

Milk & More, 702 W. Diversey Parkway

Inspection date: Dec. 14, 2012
Results: Pass with conditions.
Comments: A written log detailing rodent proofing measures was not available to inspectors, they said. The last service report in the log book was dated Oct. 27, 2010. A pest control company was called during the inspection to perform a service visit.

The Black Duck, 1800 N. Halsted St.

Inspection date: Dec. 17, 2012
Results: Fail.
Comments: Meats, cheeses and fish were being stored at improper temperatures in a prep cooler, which had an air temperature of 46 degrees, the report said. A technician arrived on scene to fix the cooler and managers voluntarily discarded more than $100 worth of food. A written log detailing rodent proofing measures was not available to inspectors, they said. Live cockroaches were found in the kitchen area. Inspectors also said that previous minor violations from September 2010 had not been corrected. Those included a peeling basement ceiling. Managers were asked to clean the grease from the sides of cooking equipment as well as all dead insects from horizontal surfaces in the kitchen, including on shelves and prep tables. The restaurant passed with conditions a re-inspection on Dec. 28, though inspectors said they still found about 20 live cockroaches. A pest control specialist was on site to vacuum them up and tend to the problem, the report said.

Boka, 1727 N. Halsted St.

Inspection date: Dec. 17, 2012
Results: Pass.
Comments: Replacement ceiling tiles were needed in certain areas of the basement prep area, the report said. The floor behind the bar needed re-grouting and wire racks above a sink needed cleaning.

Dunkin Donuts, 1927 W. Fullerton Ave.

Inspection date: Dec. 17, 2012
Results: Pass.
Comments: Light shields were needed in some ceiling fixtures, the report said. Hot and cold running water was needed in the Coolatta ice machine, which was not in use during the inspection. Thermometers weren't visible inside all coolers, inspectors said.

7-Eleven, 2181 N. Clybourn Ave.

Inspection date: Dec. 18, 2012
Results: Pass.
Comments: Managers were asked to clean and mop the floor in the walk-in cooler. 

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