Food Debris and Grease Found on Cooking Equipment: Health Inspections

Patch examined inspection reports in Lincoln Square over the month of February. Information has been compiled using publicly available data published to the website of the Chicago Department of Public Health's Food Protection Program.

Restaurants 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 the violations 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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La Bocca, 4618 N. Lincoln Ave.
Inspection date: Feb. 19
Results: Pass
Violations: This visit was the result of a complaint. Management needs to detail-clean the floors along the wall and in all corners throughout the restaurant, including the basement storage area. The dish machine also needs to be cleaned of dried food debris and grease build-up. The inspector found unfinished ceiling tiles above the main dining room and missing thermometers in the coolers and freezers. Unnecessary items need to be removed and clutter must be stored at least 6 inches off the floor for easy cleaning.

China Hut, 2311 W. Lawrence Ave.
Inspection date: Feb. 19
Results: Pass
Violations: This visit was the result of a complaint. The prep foods inside the walk-in cooler were not labeled and the multi-use utensils weren’t properly stored on the bottom of prep tables and shelves. Management needs to replace the broken gasket on the reach-in cooler and seal the bottom panels of two prep tables. The equipment and kitchen had noted grease build-up and food debris. The inspector found “excessive dust and grease” on the cooking equipment hood and filters, and on the vent covers in the bathroom. Management must provide thermometers for coolers and food handlers must wear hair restraints. Cleaning towels also need to be properly stored.

Ceres’ Table, 4882 N. Clark St.
Inspection date: Feb. 14
Results: Pass
Violations: This visit was the result of a complaint. The inspector found a pink substance inside the bar gun holder and dust build-up on the prep cooler. There was also food build-up on the floor under cooking equipment. Management needs to repair the pipe leaking under the three-compartment sink and ice machine.  

Los Arcos Authentic Mexican Food, 5525 N. Clark St.
Inspection date: Feb. 11
Results: Pass
Violations: Management needs to cover a gap in the wall around the electrical outlet by the front line hand washbowl and install a ceiling light bulb above the three-compartment sink.