Many Flies, Soiled Ice Machine: See Alexandria Restaurant Inspections

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Some restaurants in Alexandria recorded violations during recent health department inspections so far in July.

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, 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. Some violations of note were a soiled interior of an ice machine at Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company and large presence of flies at Mia's Italian Kitchen.

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

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company: 25 S. Quaker Ln Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 8

Violations:

• Observed interior components of the ice machine to be soiled. The black cover needs to be deep cleaned.

Polar Bear Shaved Ice: 208 W Glebe Rd Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found.

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

Last inspection: July 8

Violations:

• The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: can opener blade, deli slicer.
• The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures above 135°F: marinara at 123 on the steam table.
• The following TCS food items were observed above 41°F: cooked potatoes (52) on the fry prep top, cut tomatoes (55) and cooked broccoli (54) in the grill prep.
• Observed Sunday gravy in ROP packaging in the WIC. Observed no date marking of production time and date. Chef stated the product is made daily and kept for about 5 days.
• The premises is not being routinely inspected for the presence of insects, rodents, and other pests. Observed many flies in the room next to the bar with the dish machine.

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

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found. This report serves as a follow-up inspection that was completed via email. Owner Jaruvan Simuang was able to obtain parasite destruction letters from both vendors.

Landini Brothers: 115 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 8

Violations:

• Ice used as a medium for cooling the exterior surfaces of food is also for beverage ice or used as food. Observed alcohol bottles being stored on top of ice used for drinks.

Il Porto: 121 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found.

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

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found.

Reynolds Street Cafe: 34 S. Reynolds St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found. Health inspectors noted to ensure they change the light bulbs that are not working anymore and date-mark TCS foods that are kept more than 24 hours.

Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South Restaurant & Market: 4641 Kenmore Ave Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: July 8

Violations: No violations found.

Blue and White Carryout: 1024 Wythe St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 7

Violations: No violations found. The purpose of this visit was to conduct a change of ownership inspection.

Roundhouse Cafe: 600 Dulany St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 7

Violations:

• Observed several hand sinks throughout the establishment with no paper towels. A few of the hand sinks near the food prep lines that were not being used also did not have working soap dispensers.
• Observed soup in the soup well at 122 F.
• Observed TCS foods on the salad bar to be cold holding above 41 F.

Finn & Porter Restaurant/ Sushi Bar: 5000 Seminary Rd Alexandria, VA 22311

Last inspection: July 3

Violations:

• The hand wash station located on the far right side of the cookline was observed being used to rinse silverware/ utensils.

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center (Main Kitchen): 5000 Seminary Rd Alexandria, VA 22311

Last inspection: July 3

Violations: No violations found.

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

Last inspection: July 3

Violations: No violations found.

Dolci Gelati: 107 N. Fairfax St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 3

Violations: No violations found. Received confirmation of certified food protection manager enrollment via email.

Caphe Banh Mi: 407 Cameron St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 2

Violations:

Observed that the fan in the stove area is in need of cleaning. Heavily soiled with debris.

Hilton Garden Inn-Old Town Alexandria Restaurant & Market: 1620 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 2

Violations:

• The interior of the microwave oven is observed soiled.
• The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: cream cheese (48), cut melon (47), blue cheese (46).
• Employee cell phone observed sitting on cutting board/food contact surface.
• The following mechanical refrigeration unit is not currently operating as required to cold hold food at a temperature of 41°F or less: WIC at 48°F.
• The cutting board along the prep unit is heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleaned and sanitized due to condition.

The Chewish Deli: 807 Pendleton St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 2

Violations: No violations found. Seal handwashing sink to wall to prevent, spillage and seepage.

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

Last inspection: July 2

Violations:

• Observed improper methods used to thaw food. Frozen fish in the sink observed in standing water.
• The basement back exterior door is not tight-fitting. This may allow the entry of insects or rodents.
• The water pressure gauge on the high temp dish machine is not in good repair and/ or not accurate in the range of use.
• The grout between the tiles in the warewashing area is eroded.

Zikrayet Lebanese Restaurant: 2006 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 2

Violations:

• The cookline prep unit had TCS foods above 41 F. This included sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and raw salmon.
• Observed several spray bottles throughout the establishment baring no labels.
• The cookline prep unit is cold holding at 50 F.

Frutas y Minutas Maggaly: 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: July 2

Violations: No violations found. Ensure refrigeration unit maintains an ambient temperature of 41F or less.

YAGUT ST Dessert Cafe: 411 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 2

Violations: Approved for opening. Please fix the following items within 30 days:

• Obtain bleach test strips for the 3 comp sink.
• Put hand wash only signs at hand sinks.
• Have someone obtain their certified food protection manager prior to opening.
• Please email the updated menu before opening.

Dunkin' #348454: 4653 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: July 1

Violations: No violations found.

Veronica's Bakery & Cafe (Dove): 2387 S. Dove St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 1

Violations: No violations found. It was recommended to organize and clean up the front area and discard anything not necessary to the business.