Alexandria Restaurant Inspections: Up To 10 Violations At Eateries

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the new year begins, we're taking a look at some of the final restaurant inspections of 2024 by the health department.

Health inspectors conduct most restaurant, school, child care center and other health inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually. Violations typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Other violations are addressed later, and an inspector may conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance.

Here are the most recent inspections from Alexandria from mid-December to the end of the year, according to the Alexandria Health Department. Some restaurants received perfect inspection results, either from follow-up inspections to correct violations or from routine health inspector visits. There were no pest violations at restaurants, but some common violations were foods cold holding or hot holding at improper temperatures and dirty surfaces or utensils.

Shanghai Peking Chinese Restaurant: 506 N. Henry St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 31

Violations:

• Observed improper methods used to thaw food. Observed multiple TCS food items thawing improperly on the counter.
• The following food item(s) were found subject to contamination after receipt and during storage due to the condition as described: Observed multiple food items in direct contact with plastic non-food grade grocery bags.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: Observed in use knives on the cookline stored in between units.

Delta Rocks Billiard: 3210 Duke St B Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 31

Violations: No violations found. A follow-up inspection was conducted.

Zaytoun Halal Grill: 5418 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 31

Violations:

• Observed food contact surfaces of the deli slicer to be soiled with food debris. Areas around the blade must be deep cleaned.
• Establishment does not have chlorine test strips or quaternary ammonium test strips. Establishment has both sanitizers in 1 gallon bottles.
• Observed the plumbing connections of sanitizer basin at the three compartment sink to be leaking and not being able to hold water properly.

Blazin Craft Burger and Wings: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: Dec. 30 (pre-opening)

Violations: No violations found. This visit was made to conduct a pre-opening health inspection. Please note the following. Okay for C/O Recommend issuance of Alexandria Health Department Permit.

IHOP: 6254 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22312

Last inspection: Dec. 30 (pre-opening)

Violations:

The purpose of this visit was to conduct a change of ownership. The following must be fixed by the 30 Day Follow up (on or after 1/30/2025):

• Light shield observed missing in the trauslen cooler
• Cutting boards on the cookline (items have been ordered by the PIC)
• Caulking at the prep sink and dirty dish drop off area at the dish machine (maintenance scheduled)
• Coving in Walk in Cooler hallway (Maintenance scheduled)
• Ceiling tiles in the dish area and dry storage
• Fill in hole around pipe for grease trap

El Pulgarcito: 3838 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Dec. 30

Violations:

• The following time/temperature control for safety food were observed cold holding above 41F: Curtido 47F, Pupusa Mix: 42F, 42F, 43F, lettuce 46F, Onion Tomato Mix 45.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust food residue, and/or other debris. Shelves on wall are rusted and no longer easily cleaned and sanitized. It is recommended that shelves be surfaced or replaced to allow for easy cleaning and sanitizing.
• Except as specified under § 6-201.14 and except for antislip floor coverings or applications that may be used for safety reasons, floors, floor coverings, walls, wall coverings, and ceilings shall be designed, constructed, and installed so they are smooth and easily cleanable. Caulking along the dish machine area is in disrepair.

Starbucks at Giant Food #261: 3131 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 30

Violations: No violations found.

Fairlington Pizza & Carry-Out: 1715 Centre Plz Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Dec. 30

Violations:

• There is no Certified Food Protection Manager on duty during hours of operation.

Market to Market: 116 E. Del Ray Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 30

Violations:

• The following time/temperature control for safety food was observed cold holding above 41F: Feta Block 46F.

St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (Fairlington): 1536 Kenwood Ave Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Dec. 30

Violations:

• The following food item(s) from damaged packaging were found offered for sale or service: -canned tomatoes.
• The chemical sanitizer generated by a device located on-site at the food establishment is not operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Food containers for cooling food are arranged so as not to allow for maximum heat transfer.
• An exterior door is not self-closing and tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents.
• The premises is not being routinely inspected for the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests.
• The caulking at the 3 compartment sink and hand washing stations was observed in disrepair.
• There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions.

The Big Greek Café: 2732 Richmond Highway, Unit A Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 27 (pre-opening)

Violations: No violations found. This visit was made to conduct a pre-opening health inspection. Please note the following: Display case will not be used and eventually will be moved out. Ensure grill drawers have an ambient temperature of 41F or below to ensure proper cold holding of time/temperature control safety food. Okay for C/O Recommend issuance of Alexandria Health Department Permit.

Los Tios Grille (Dey Ray): 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations: No violations found.

Gadsby's Tavern: 138 N. Royal St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations:

• Surfaces of beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required. Soda guns in need of cleaning.
• The following TCS food items were observed above 41°F: jollof rice (46) and mashed potatoes (46) in the WIC from last night.
• The following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food in the refrigeration unit is not used within 24 hours of preparation and is not properly dated for disposition within 7 days at 41°F: several TCS food items in the WIC such as rice, cooked potatoes, mashed potatoes, cooked chicken.
• Food containers for cooling food are arranged so as not to allow for maximum heat transfer. Observed cooling foods tightly covered and in deep pans.
• The basement back exterior door is not tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents.
• Observed that mops are improperly stored between use.

Deli For The Belly: 4926 Eisenhower Ave B Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations:

• No paper towels were provided at the hand sink in the back.
• Observed an accumulation of grime and debris on the food contact surfaces of the deli slicer. Observed an accumulation of grime under the deli slicer-directly on the table.
• Observed TCS foods like salads, cut melon, and milk to be cold-holding above 41 F. Food was all found in the grab and go unit.
• Observed several beverage containers and boxes stored directly on the floor. Buckets of raw chicken on ice were stored directly on the floor. Hallway was filled with containers of drinks on the floor.
• The grab and go refrigerator is cold-holding at 48 F. TCS foods in the unit were all above 41 F.

Zuki Moon: 1909 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations: No violations found.

DC Pizza and Kabob: 3406 Commonwealth Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations: No violations found.

China Cafe: 1039 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations:

• Observed working containers not labeled with the common name of the food stored within.

Caphe Banh Mi: 407 Cameron St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 27

Violations:

• Observed the following TCS food items above 41 deg F: raw beef (52) cook line prep top, cooked chicken (47) cook line prep top, beef (48) cook line prep bottom.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is being used as a control was not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: sprouts, cut lettuce, spring rolls, and other tcs food items on the prep line.
• The certified food manager could not provide a food thermometer.

Hong Kong Express: 4545 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 26

Violations:

• The interior and exterior surfaces of the microwave were heavily soiled. The microwave was not cleaned in a long time.
• Observed a few knives on the wall magnet that were still soiled. Food was encrusted on the blade and the knives weren't washed/sanitized thoroughly and properly.

Taco Bell Cantina #34274: 417 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 26

Violations: No violations found.

Burger 7: 4533 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 26

Violations:

• No hand soap available at the hand sink in the kitchen.

CAVA Mezze Grill #10016: 4513 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 23

Violations: No violations found.

El Texano Bar and Grill: 514 S Van Dorn St #E Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 20

Violations:

• The doors to the restrooms were not self-closing.

ZeMeda Market & Restaurant: 512 S. Van Dorn St B Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 20

Violations:

• Observed lentils (116°F) and cabbage (108°F) hot holding at improper temperatures on the steam table. The water in the steam table measured at 130°F.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, VA041: 1556 Potomac Greens Dr Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 18

Violations:

• Observed TCS food items in the top portion of both prep units cold holding at improper temperatures.

Mulberry Ln/Shorty's: 2016 Mt. Vernon Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 18

Violations:

• Time/temperature control for safety food observed hot holding below 135F: Chicken & Rice 126F, Tomato Soup 133F, Cheese Sauce 116F, Tomato Soup 123F.

La Casa Restaurant: 4551 Duke St A Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 18

Violations:

• Observed soup and chili made the night before. Both items were in plastic containers, covered. Both items were still above 41 F after more than 12 hours.
• The small WIC is not working so all TCS foods were removed except for raw shelled eggs. Raw eggs were measured at 69 F.
• Observed wiping cloths stored in a sanitizer bucket at 200 ppm chlorine.

Toastique: 1605 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 18

Violations: No violations found.

Chop Shop Taco: 1008 Madison St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 18

Violations: No violations found.

Landini Brothers: 115 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations: No violations found. The purpose of today's visit was to conduct a pre-opening inspection for the addition on the other side of the restaurant. Ensure the dish machines have sanitizer at all times. OK for c/o. Recommend issuance of Health Dept Permit.

Flavor Hive 3: 5249 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations: No violations found. Please make sure that soap and paper towels are always stocked at the hand sink. Do not remove when deep cleaning.

Flavor Hive 4: 5249 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations: No violations found.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries: 725 King St Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations:

• The person in charge is not able to provide written procedures for the use of time as a public health control with potentially hazardous food item(s).

Mia's Italian Kitchen: 100 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations:

• Food employee(s) was observed handling the following ready-to-eat foods using their bare hands: bartender used bare hands to grab fruit to muddle in a drink.
• The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: can opener blade.
• The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures above 135°F: meatball in sauce at 118°F.
• The following TCS food items were observed above 41°F: cooked potatoes (51), cheese stick (51) on the fry prep top.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is being used as a control was not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control: infused butters, tcs food items at the pizza prep stations.
• Ice used as a medium for cooling the exterior surfaces of food is also for beverage ice or used as food. Observed a drink bottle stored in ice for consumption at bar.

Namaste Jalsa: 1504 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations: No violations found.

Zento Restaurant: 693 N. Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations:

• No certified food protection manager was present upon arrival.
• Observed multiple TCS items in the small prep unit on the cook line and 1dr Bev Air reach in cold holding at improper temperatures. Individual containers of salad in a Styrofoam cooler observed not properly submerged in ice and therefore cold holding at temperatures greater than 41 F.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate cooling of the product from 135°F to within 4 hours: Observed cooked chicken (92 F) in a large container cooling for 1.5 hours.
• Observed improper methods used to thaw food. Observed frozen cooked mushrooms thawing on the counter at the sushi station.
• The certified food manager could not provide a small diameter food temperature measuring device. Facility does not have a food temperature measuring device.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor. Observed multiple containers of beets on the floor.

Virtue Feed & Grain: 106 S. Union St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations: No violations found.

Old House Cosmopolitan Grill: 1024 Cameron St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 17

Violations:

• Observed cooked vegetable soup (96) on stove hot holding at improper temperatures.

Bella Napoli: 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 16

Violations:

• The following food item(s) was not reheated for hot holding to a sufficient temperature and/or time: marinara sauce reheating in steam warmer for 2 hours observed at 115 F).

Chipotle Mexican Grill #2217: 3425 Richmond Hwy Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Dec. 16

Violations: The purpose of this visit was to conduct a routine health inspection and address a complaint. No violations found.

Dos Hermanos Restaurant: 1603 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Dec. 16

Violations:

• Employees are not being trained to report information to PIC about their health as it relates to foodborne illness.
• Through conversation and/or review of written policy, it was determined that the establishment's employee health policy (EHP) is not compliant with the Food Code because: -manager said that they discarded the new establishment binder that was issued during their first inspection -location does not have an employee health policy.
• The handwashing facility located at the dish machine area is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• No records of freezing for parasite destruction are maintained for the raw, raw marinated, partially cooked or marinated-partially cooked fish that are served or sold in ready-to-eat form.
• Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: raw shrimp was observed stored below raw beef in the grill drawers.
• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: ice scoop buried in ice in ice bin at bar
• The door gaskets of the following unit(s) are (missing, damaged): Turbo Air.
• Utensil handles observed damaged and no longer easily cleanable.
• The food-contact surface of the following equipment contains cracks, chips, or pits and cannot be easily cleaned: spatulas.

International House of Pancakes, # 478: 6254 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22312

Last inspection: Dec. 16

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: sausage (80°F) and has browns (119°F).
• The nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth : Caulking throughout the facility.
• The cutting board(s) along the cook line are heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleaned and sanitized due to condition.
• The grout in the cook line area was observed in disrepair and is no longer easily cleanable.

Mason Social: 728 N Henry Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Dec. 16

Violations:

• A certified food protection manager was not on site during food operations upon inspector arrival.
• Observed butter (51 F ) on counter in the kitchen and heavy cream (45 F) in the left 2dr bar cooler cold holding at improper temperatures.