Route 1 Restaurant Inspections: Ojo's Taqueria, Kimchi House

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — As the Fairfax County Health Department continues to share restaurant inspection reports online, we are looking at recent reports in the Route 1 corridor.

The health department's environmental health staff inspect over 5,200 restaurants and other retail food service establishments in Fairfax County and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax to ensure safe food handling practices are followed. This includes proper sanitation, food storage and preparation, and adequate kitchen facilities. Aside from restaurants, staff inspect child care centers, hospitals, school cafeterias, and temporary food service vendors at festivals.

The health department cautions residents that a single inspection should not be used to evaluate a restaurant. Pieter Sheehan, the Fairfax County environmental health director, says "it is important to look at multiple inspection reports for a facility to truly understand their approach and commitment to food safety and sanitation."

This week's report focuses on restaurants in Hybla Valley, Mount Vernon and Woodlawn in October and November.

Residents can search for a specific restaurant or browse a map of inspected locations through the online database. Click on each report for more information.

Sea Boil Crab House: 7305 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 23

Violations: No violations found.

Family Fortune: 2913 B Arlington Dr., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 4

Violations: 2913 B Arlington Dr., Alexandria, Va 22306

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: room temperature: bean sprouts, raw shelled eggs.

Rinconcito: 2911 Arlington Dr., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 6

Violations: No violations found.

McDonald's: 7614 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 6

Violations: No violations found.

Della J's Delectables: 7692 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 3

Violations: No violations found.

Skrimp Shack: 7700 E Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 9

Violations: No violations found.

Lotus Pho and Grill: 7770 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22306

Last inspection: Oct. 19

Violations:

• When tested, the low temperature, chemical sanitizing warewashing machine was observed with a sanitizing rinse concentration of less than 50 ppm chlorine solution.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at the hand sink next to the 3-compartment sink.
• The hand sink next to the 3-compartment sink was surrounded by buckets, preventing access. There was also dishware inside the sink.

Enjoy Entertainment Restaurant & Banquet Hall: 8113 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 13

Violations:

• Observed a mug inside the hand sink in the front of the kitchen.

Suave Bar & Lounge: 8430 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Nov. 15

Violations: No violations found.

Ojo's Taqueria: 8501 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Nov. 15

Violations:

• Observed that the men’s restroom is in need of cleaning.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris: grill, oven, and exhaust hood.
• Observed that the wall behind the ice machine and prep sink is not maintained in good repair. There are holes in the walls of the men’s restroom too.

Johnny Mac's: 8526 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 19

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: tuna salad.
• Observed a wet wiping cloth inside the main hand sink.
• Observed an open cup of coffee or tea in the kitchen area.
• Observed boxes of floor stored on the floor of the walk-in cooler/freezer.

Kimchi House: 8537 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 24

Violations:

• Observed an accumulation of dirt and grease on the floor, walls, under the 3-compartment sink, and on the grill/stove in the kitchen.
• Observed a bag of glass noodles stored on the floor of the kitchen.
• Observed open styrofoam boxes that were unprotected.

Knights of Columbus Snack Bar: 8592 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 6

Violations: No violations found.

Rahama African Restaurant: 8738 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 25

Violations:

• When tested, the chlorine-based sanitizing solution was observed to be at a concentration less than what is required for effective sanitization of food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils. Observed the sanitizing solution in the 3-compartment sink with a concentration of <10 ppm total chlorine.
• Observed food/containers/utensils inside the hand sink in the kitchen and the hand sink near the 3-compartment sink.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at the hand sink in the kitchen.
• Observed that the hand soap dispenser at the hand sink in the kitchen was not working.
• Observed the following food thawing using an improper method: frozen oxtails thawing at room temperature.
• Observed containers of food, including a pot of frozen oxtails, stored directly on the floor in the kitchen.

Orale Mexican Taqueria: 8762 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 3

Violations:

• Observed dishware inside the handsink near the 3-compartment sink.
• Observed boxes of cooking oil and other food items on the floor of the storage room.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: True 2 door upright cooler in back area.

Pupuseria Dona Azucena: 8764 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 3

Violations:

• There is no Certified Food Manager present at the beginning of the inspection.
• Observed bags of produce and containers of food on the floor of the walk-in cooler.

Club One Sports Bar & Grill: 8786 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 31

Violations: No violations found.

Grandma's Famous Cafe: 8723 B Cooper Rd, Alexandria, Va 22309

Last inspection: Oct. 2

Violations: No violations found.