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THE FAT SHALLOT

222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ, CHICAGO, IL 60654 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE FAT SHALLOT has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 19, 2023. The most recent inspection, on February 26, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

2 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Protecting food from contamination and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • 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 3 times on April 2, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 19, 2026. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 January 23, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on February 19, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 5 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 23, 2025. For example: ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS 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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR OF WALK-IN COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2631446 DATED 2/19/2026: #25 " OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING UNDERCOOKED ITEMS, EGGS, WITHOUT CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT SO THAT MENU CONTAINS REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE AS REQUIRED BY CODE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. SEE COMMENTS." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2631446 DATED 2/19/2026. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED MENU CONTAINING UNDERCOOKED ITEMS, EGGS, WITHOUT CONSUMER ADVISORY. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT SO THAT MENU CONTAINS REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE AS REQUIRED BY CODE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED. SEE COMMENTS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR OF WALK-IN COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN FRONT PREP AREA HEAVILY STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TESTING DEVICES APPROPRIATE TO CHEMICAL SANITIZER BEING USED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2610929 DATED 1/23/2025: #58 "OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGERS." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 83.5-88.0F AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN FACILITY. OBSERVED IMPROPER MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURES AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN MEN'S WASHROOM(SINK ON LEFT SIDE) AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM(SINK ON RIGHT SIDE). CORRECTED ON SITE HANDWASHING SINKS REPAIRED BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION, OBSERVED PROPER MINIMUM TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 108.3-108.7F AT SAID HANDWASHING SINKS IN MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS AFTER REPAIR. INSTRUCTED A HANDWASHING SINK SHALL BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 100F THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED LIGHT NOT WORKING ON LEFT SIDE OF HOOD. CORRECTED ON SITE SAID LIGHT BULB IN HOOD REPLACED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGERS.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED AT 1:20 PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED AT 1:20 PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 49.3-57.4F(TURKEY 52.0F, CORNED BEEF 52.2F, COLE SLAW 52.7, TOMATO BASIL SOUP 51.6F, EGGS 57.4F, CHEESE 51.4F, BACON 49.3F, HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM 51.4F ). INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $1560 WEIGHING 402LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER USED TO HOLD COLD TCS FOODS AT AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 52.0F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON WALK-IN COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES TO ENSURE ATTAINMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER FOR HANDWASHING SINK NEAR ICE MACHINE ABOVE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER TO LEFT WALL OR WALL IN FRONT OF SAID HANDWASHING SINK, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF PREP TABLE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON FRONT OF CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED GASKET ON CHEST FREEZER.
  6. License

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER PROVIDED AT FOOD PREP-SINK. FACILITY MUST REMOVE PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER FROM FOOD PREP-SINK AND RELOCATE TO HAND SINK AREA. PAPER TOWELS MUST NOT BE USED AT FOOD PREP-SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALK-IN COOLER FLOOR IS IN DISREPAIR. FACILITY MUST ENSURE WALK-IN COOLER FLOOR IS SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED/MISSING CAULK ON SINK FIXTURES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. FACILITY MUST RE-CAULK SINK FIXTURES ADJACENT TO WALL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPEN SCREW HOLES ON WALL NEAR ENTRY HANDSINK. FACILITY MUST COVER HOLES ON ALL WALLS TO ENSURE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT AND BACK PREP AREAS. FACILITY MUST REPLACE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. ALL CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION.
  7. License

    0 infractions

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