Alexandria Restaurant Inspections: Rice Hot Holding At 56 Degrees

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Some facilities in Alexandria recorded violations during recent health department inspections in January and February.

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. There were no pest violations in these recent results, but some common violations were foods hot holding at too low temperatures and sanitizer not at a proper level to sanitize dishes.

Captain Gregory's: 804 N Henry St. 129 Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Feb. 7

Violations: No violations found. This visit was made to conduct a pre-opening health inspection after the establishment underwent renovations. Permit recommended. Several items were discussed with the person in charge but were not marked as violations.

Seekh Kabob: 190 S Whiting St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Feb. 7

Violations: No violations found. This visit was made to conduct a pre-opening inspection. Recommend issuance of Alexandria Health Department permit.

Chadwicks: 203 Strand St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Feb. 7

Violations: No violations found. Received via email pictures of the deli slicer cleaned and processes of how they will clean it daily.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop (King): 4690 King St. Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Feb. 6

Violations:

• A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at all handwashing lavatories used by food employees.
• The cutting boards along the front line are heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleaned and sanitized due to condition.
• The caulking at the 3 compartment sink and hand washing stations was observed in disrepair.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust food residue, and/or other debris: beverage cooler shelves.

Spice Life: 3616 King St Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Feb. 6

Violations: The purpose of this visit was to conduct a courtesy inspection. Several items were discussed with the person in charge but were not marked as violations.

Sora Ethiopian Market, Cafe, & Carryout: 5145 Duke St C Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Feb. 6

Violations: No violations found. Health inspectors requested increasing the cleaning frequency for non-food contact surfaces.

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

Last inspection: Feb. 6

Violations: No violations found. Ensure time/temperature control for safety food cold hold at 41F or below. Please ensure all employees have read and signed the employee health policy document.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 424 S Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Feb. 5

Violations: No violations found.

St. Elmo's Coffee Pub: 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Feb. 5

Violations: No violations found.

Cameron Cafe: 4911 Brenman Park Dr Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Feb. 5

Violations: No violations found. Several items were discussed with the person in charge but were not marked as violations.

Foster's Grille: 2004 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Feb. 4

Violations:

The PIC has an expired certified food protection manager certificate.

Noi's Kitchen: 4111 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Feb. 4

Violations:

• Recommend issuance of Health Department permit. The following must be corrected by the 30 day follow up:
• Cold line observed at improper ambient temperature must be repaired and maintain an ambient of 41°F or lower.
• Replace the caulking/ seal along service window.
• Clean the interior of the Avantco refrigerator.
• Clean the stove top.
• Make the contact information on the back of the truck larger/ easier to read.

McDonald's #847: 121 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Feb. 4

Violations: The purpose of this visit was to conduct a pre-opening inspection. Establishment was closed due to a fire. Please note the following: Okay for C/O Recommend issuance of Alexandria Health Department Permit.

Royal Restaurant: 734 N. St. Asaph St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Feb. 4

Violations:

• Handwashing stations were missing paper towel. Paper Towel dispenser was not working and thus unable to dispense paper towel.
• The following time/temperature control for safety food were observed cold holding above 41F: Tomato 44F, Lettuce 45F, Cheese 48.
• Observed mops not properly stored to allow to air dry.

Paisano's Pizza: 2012 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Feb. 4

Violations:

• Observed TCS foods from the WIC cold-holding around 44-45 F.
• The WIC was cold holding above 41 F. The bottom door gasket needed replacement and the unit should be turned down.

Duck Donuts: 3610 King St F Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Feb. 3

Violations:

• Food packaged in the establishment is not labeled in accordance with Law.
• The food-contact surface of the following equipment contains cracks, chips, or pits and cannot be easily cleaned: ice scoop.
• The caulking at the 3 compartment sink was observed damaged and no longer easily cleanable.
• Pipes under the 3 compartment sink were observed with excessive build up.

Sake Express Japanese Steakhouse: 3827 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Jan. 31

Violations: This visit was made to conduct a pre-opening inspection. OK for C.O. Recommend issuance of Alexandria Health Department food establishment permit.

Please correct the following prior to opening:

• Hot water turned on at all hand sinks (2 were not working).
• Provide food thermometer.
• Provide ambient air thermometer in all refrigerators and freezer.
• Provide hand soap at all hand sinks.
• Provide hand washing signs at all hand sinks.
• Provide covered trashcan in women's restrooms.
• Install self-closing device to the door of the employee restroom.
• Caulk sinks to the wall.
• Provide test kit for sanitizer.

Tsim Yung Chinese Restaurant:2603 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Jan. 31

Violations: The purpose of this visit was to drop off a hard copy of the inspection review and review with person in charge. A proper follow up will be conducted on February 10, 2025.

El Paisa Grocery & Carryout: 3414 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Jan. 29

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

Tiki Garden: 4527 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Jan. 29

Violations:

• Person in charge was unable to provide documentation during the inspection, that all food employees and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report to management information about their health and activities as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food.
• Observed raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat and food with a lower cooking temperature.
• Observed food in storage not properly covered to protect from contamination.
• 3 Compartment sink chlorine concentration was observed at 25ppm.
• The following time/temperature control for safety food was observed hot holding under 135F: Rice 56F
• Observed untreated eggs being stored out of refrigeration with a temperature of 57F.
• Written procedures were not established for the use of Time as a Public Health Control.
• Spray bottle with chemical/water mixture observed with no label.
• Containers holding oils, and spice mixtures were not labeled with common name.
• Ice meant for consumption observed coming into contact with tubes of equipment.
• Food observed stored directly on floor of walk-in cooler.
• Per the person in charge at the time of inspection, diluted chlorine is used to wash the produce used at the establishment.

Chipotle Mexican Grill #930: 4531 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Jan. 29

Violations: No violations found. The purpose of today's visit was to conduct a risk factor inspection and investigate a FBI complaint.

Alexandria Bier Garden: 710 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 28

Violations:

• Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: raw chicken stored above raw beef in the walk in cooler.
• 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.. Bar dish machine observed at 0 ppm for chlorine sanitizer. Machine was ran and primed more than once.

Augie's Mussel House & Patio: 1106 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 28

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: chili (110), nacho cheese (115) on the steam table.
• A review of the menu with the foodservice operator indicates that there is no consumer advisory for the following food item(s) that may be served raw and/or undercooked: salmon and steak under the salad section, blackened salmon.

Hunan Cafe: 4678-A S King St. Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: Jan. 28

Violations:

• The handwashing facility located at the dish area is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• Observed improper methods used to thaw food, steak was observed sitting at room temperature.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor.
• The filters on the right side of the cook line and the pipes under the 3 compartment sink were observed with an accumulation of grease/ build up.

Chipotle Mexican Grill #245: 601 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 28

Violations: No violations found.

Fontaine Café and Creperie: 119 S. Royal St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 28

Violations:

• 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. Dish machine sanitizer at 0ppm. Chlorine not pulling.

Vocelli's Pizza: 1607 Commonwealth Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: Jan. 28

Violations: No violations found.

Marcelas Bakery: 3856 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Jan. 24

Violations: No violations found.

Taverna Cretekou: 818 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 24

Violations:

• Person in charge was unable to provide documentation during the inspection, that all food employees and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report to management information about their health and activities as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food.
• Handwashing sink observed with ice dumped within it.
• Observed food in storage not properly covered.
• Moussaka and Dolmas on steam table were not properly reheated to 165 prior to hot holding.
• Moussaka on steam table hot holding at 63F and 64F, and Dolmas at 67F
• Observed no date-marking throughout the establishment for RTE, TCS foods. This includes items like lamb, spinach pies, moussaka, eggplants, etc.
• 3 Door Low/Work Top is missing a temperature measuring device.
• Garlic single use containers observed reused for the storage of other food items.
• Handwashing sinks and three compartment sink need to be resealed to wall.
• Area under ice bins observed with the accumulation of grime.
• Mops observed stored in water when not in use.

International House of Pancakes, #578: 3425 Richmond Hwy A Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: Jan. 24

Violations: No violations found.

Z Burger: 684 S. Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Jan. 23

Violations:

• Person in charge was not able to provide verification that employees are trained on employee health reporting procedures.
• Written procedures cleaning vomit and diarrhea was not available.

Bugsy's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar: 111 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 23

Violations: No violations found.

Lady Camellia: 229 Strand St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 23

Violations: No violations found.

El Tipico Bar & Grill: 664 S. Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Jan. 23

Violations: No violations found.

Fish Market: 105 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 23

Violations:

• The following TCS food items were observed above 41°F: clam chowder (52) and jambalaya (46) in the upstairs WIC and raw shrimp (50), mac and cheese (46), and half and half (48) in the seafood prep unit.
• Observed the following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food being held for more than the specified time/temperature allowed: jambalaya in the upstairs WIC dated 1/15/25.
• The temperature gauges on the high temp dish machine are not working.
• An irreversible registering temperature indicator is not provided for the high temp dish machine.

Light Horse: 715 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 22

Violations:

• The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: deli slicer blade and components.
• The following TCS food items were observed above 41°F: cooked mushrooms (53) in container w/ no ice, chicken wings (47) in the main prep bottom.
• Food containers for cooling food are arranged so as not to allow for maximum heat transfer. Observed cooling foods in deep containers and over stocked.

Frankie's Kitchen & Cocktail Bar/Hop Dam: 823 S. Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 22

Violations: No violations found. Reminder to not store leafy greens on top of other containers on prep top.

Murphy's Irish Pub: 713 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: Jan. 22

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were found stored in contact with soiled equipment or utensils: ice used for drinks/consumption observed in a soiled/dirty sink.

Nando's Peri Peri: 2462 Mandeville Ln Alexandria, VA 22332

Last inspection: Jan. 22

Violations:

• Person in charge was unable to provide documentation during the inspection, that all food employees and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report to management information about their health and activities as it relates to diseases that are transmissible through food.
• Establishment was using time as a public health control, but did not have written procedures.
• Door LB/Prep Unit was missing an ambient air thermometer.
• A fruit and vegetable wash is used at the establishment, but test strips are missing to accurately measure the active ingredient concentration.

Paris Baguette: 4616 Kenmore Ave Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: Jan. 21

Violations: No violations found.