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TASTE OF CHICAGO INC

11103 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60628 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TASTE OF CHICAGO INC has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 23, 2010. The most recent inspection, on May 20, 2020, found no infractions.

2 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 11, 2016. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 11, 2016. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 6, 2015. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 19 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on October 11, 2016. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 11, 2016. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON BOTTOM SHELVES UNDER SNO-CONE SYRUP ALONG EAST WALL IN REAR STORAGE AREA, 10 DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN PIPES IN REAR WATER HEATER AREA, 20 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT, 10 MICE DROPPINGS ON CHAIR AND IN SOUTHWEST CORNER IN BASEMENT, 5 MICE DROPPINGS IN NORTHWEST CORNER NEAR POP STORAGE AND FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL FRYER CABINETS, REACH-IN AND PREP COOLERS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPAIR WATER DAMAGED CEILING AND SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS IN CEILING IN BASEMENT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS. PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE SOILED WATER AND STORE MOP HEAR UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • INSTRUCTED TO MEET THE FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
  5. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND THE FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED, 1" GAP NOTED. FOUND MICE ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES, 20 IN THE REAR CORNERS AND 5 IN THE FRONT UNDER THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND 5 BEHIND THE FRONT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE FRONT DOOR, REMOVE ALL MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN/SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED FROM REPORT #1459938 DATED MAY 20, 2014. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: 32-REPAIR OR REPLACE THE GASKET AT COVER ON THE CHEST FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES NEXT TO SHELVING UNITS 33-MUST DEFROST ALL 3 CHEST FREEZERS IN THE REAR OF PREMISES,HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE UNIT AND CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE EQUIPMENT,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA 34-FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN REAR OF PREMISES,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE) WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • INSTRUCTED TO MEET THE FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
  6. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR OR REPLACE THE GASKET AT COVER ON THE CHEST FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES NEXT TO SHELVING UNITS
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DEFROST ALL 3 CHEST FREEZERS IN THE REAR OF PREMISES,HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE UNIT AND CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,HAS GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE EQUIPMENT,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN REAR OF PREMISES,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • PROVIDE A SPRING ON THE WASHROOM DOOR IN REAR OF PREMISES FOR SELF-CLOSING
  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF GRILL AND FRYERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTING UNDER SINK IN WASHROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • TIGHTEN DRAINPIPE UNDER WASHBOWL.
  8. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • INVERT ALL CARRYOUT CONTAINERS TO PROTECT FROM DUST, DIRT, CONTAMINATION.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PAINT STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS AMD MISSING END CAPS IN PREP AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
  9. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND WALL NOT SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN BEHIND 3COMPARTMENT SINK.(MUST SEAL/PAINT).
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK.(VACUUM BREAKER)
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • section of ceiling and walls in rear area in poor repair, inst to sel holes/ cracks
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • drain at hand isink in prep area draining slow, inst to repair same

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