Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe

1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Other
Last inspected: Jul 29, 2021
95
Score
Low Risk

The health department has logged 14 inspections at Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe, the earliest from 2013. The latest inspection on file is from Jul 29, 2021. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer. Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe's record stops at Jul 29, 2021, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to eight violations.

Looking across the full record, “management, food employee and conditional employee” is the recurring theme, flagged three times.

Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe's latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 29, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS ON THE CEILINGS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
95
Jun 6, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY IN PLACE FOR FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12(B-D) OBSERVED (1 OF 3)HAND SINKS IN WOMEN RESTROOM/LOCKER ROOM IN BASEMENT IN DISREPAIR (NON FUNCTIONAL). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 4-901.12 OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON COUNTER IN FRONT PREP AREA OF FACILITY IN BASEMENT; NOT STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION OR PROPERLY STORED FOR AIR DRYING. FACILITY MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHES ACCORDING TO REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING STORAGE REQUIREMENTS; UTENSILS UTILIZED FOR FACILITY NOT STORED INVERTED. MUST STORED INVERTED AND MAINTAINED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.16 OBSERVED NON FOOD CONTACT AREA WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS, UNDER EQUIPMENT IN EXPLORER REAR PREP AND BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA UNDER RACK, IN CORNERS, ETC. MUST DETAILED CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED FACILITY PLUMBING IN DISREPAIR(SLOW DRAINING) (1 OF 2) TWO COMPARTMENT SINK (LEFT SINK,RIGHT BASIN)OF EXPLORER PREP KITCHEN AREA IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
61
May 30, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FACILITY NOT MEETING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS, OBSERVED 116 POUNDS(14 GALLONS) OF READY TO EAT COOKED AND COOLED CHICKEN CHICK PEA SOUP STORED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT PREP AREA AT 46.3-49.6 DEGREES F WITH PREPARATION DATED 5/29/19. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT OF COLD STORAGE PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARY DISCARDED FOOD OUT OF TEMPERATURE. FACILITY MUST MEET AND MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. APPROX 116LBS $300
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING FOOD (EQUIPMENT) REQUIREMENTS; TWO COMPARTMENT PREP SINK IN EXPLORER PREP KITCHEN NOT CLEAN, OBSERVED STANDING(ODOR DIRTY) STALE WATER INSIDE SINK DUE TO CLOGGED, UNABLE TO DRAIN. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS AND MUST REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL FLIES THROUGH OUT FACILITY 30 SMALL FLIES IN WARE WASHING AREA/ UTILITY SINK AREA IN BASEMENT WARE WASHING AREA, 9 IN PREP KITCHEN AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO REMOVE PEST(SMALL FLIES) FROM FACILITY AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY IN PLACE FOR FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR WARE WASHING AREA IN DISREPAIR (NON FUNCTIONAL). THE SENSOR NON WORKING, WATER IS NOT ACTIVATED FOR 20 SECONDS (NO WATER). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HAND SINK.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12(B-D) OBSERVED (1 OF 3)HAND SINKS IN WOMEN RESTROOM/LOCKER ROOM IN BASEMENT IN DISREPAIR (NON FUNCTIONAL). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED FACILITY BULK ITEMS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER NOT LABEL WITH COMMON NAME; FACILITY SUGAR, FLOUR, FLAX SEEDS AND WHEAT ITEMS NOT LABELED INSIDE LARGE CLEAR CONTAINER IN EXPLORER BASEMENT PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVERS FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS NOT MEETING REQUIREMENT OF EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT; SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXTREMELY LONG HAIR NOT RESTRAINED (NO HAIR NET/ HAT). FACILITY MUST UTILIZE EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS AND MAINTAIN.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON COUNTER IN FRONT PREP AREA OF FACILITY IN BASEMENT; NOT STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION OR PROPERLY STORED FOR AIR DRYING. FACILITY MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHES ACCORDING TO REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING STORAGE REQUIREMENTS; UTENSILS UTILIZED FOR FACILITY NOT STORED INVERTED. MUST STORED INVERTED AND MAINTAINED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.16 OBSERVED NON FOOD CONTACT AREA WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS, UNDER EQUIPMENT IN EXPLORER REAR PREP AND BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA UNDER RACK, IN CORNERS, ETC. MUST DETAILED CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED FACILITY PLUMBING IN DISREPAIR(SLOW DRAINING) (1 OF 2) TWO COMPARTMENT SINK OF EXPLORER PREP KITCHEN AREA IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.16 OBSERVED MOPS UTILIZED IN FACILITY STORED DOWN ON FLOOR IN CORNER FOR DRYING IN WARE WASHING AREA AND BASEMENT (UTILITY SINKS). CONDITION FOR PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOPS WITH MOP HEAD UP FOR DRYING AND MAINTAIN
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
35
Feb 1, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENTS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD INSIDE OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
41
90
Dec 1, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 24, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: Observed approximately 40 live, small, black flies on walls, and in area around floor drain under 2 compartment sink (next to ice machine) in kitchen. Found approximately 5 live, small, black flies near utility sink. Instructed must detail clean and sanitize affected areas. Must eliminate pest issue. Serious violation 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: Observed no City of Chicago food sanitation manager certificate posted in facility. Must post official copy of Chicago food sanitation manager certificate in plain view of customers at all times. Observed no city of Chicago certified food manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (beef, soups, etc.) are being prepped. Must have a city of Chicago certified food manager on site at all times when potentially hazardous foods are being prepped, cooked and/or served. Serious violation 7-38-012.
21
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: Observed most recent inspection summary report not posted from inspection report # 2009684, dated 3/31/17. Facility has inspection summary report from 11/1/16 posted. Instructed must post most recent inspection summary report at all times, in plain view of customers. Operator corrected during inspection. Serious violation 7-42-010(b).
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: Observed previously issued minor violations not corrected from report # 2009684, dated 3/31/17. Must correct the following previously issued minor violations: # 32 FOUND FOIL ON THE GRILL IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INTRUCTED TO REMOVE. MAINTAIN SAME. #33 FOUND THE CAN OPENER AND THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP FROM THE EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN. #34 FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE CORNERS WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS. #35 FOUND THE LIGHT SHIELDS, CEILING TILES, VENTILATION HOOD AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA ABOVE AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT, DUST AND FOOD SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. Serious violation 7-42-090.
29
82
Mar 31, 2017
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND THE COLD HOLDING UNIT UNDERNEATH THE GRILL IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT ABLE TO HOLD THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS 61.1F. UNIT WAS TAGGED AND CAN NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE UNIT FIXED SO THAT IT HOLDS THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WAS STORED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COOLER AND WAS NOT AT THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER. 4-5LBS OF HOT DOGS (50.7F-51.4F) AND 15LBS OF BEEF PATTIES (50.2F-50.5F). MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED OF THE PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $200.00. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE. CRITICIAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND FOIL ON THE GRILL IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INTRUCTED TO REMOVE. MAINTAIN SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CAN OPENER AND THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP FROM THE EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE CORNERS WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THE LIGHT SHIELDS, CEILING TILES, VENTILATION HOOD AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA ABOVE AND AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, SINKS AND DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH DIRT, DUST AND FOOD SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MALE EMPLOYEE WITH LONG HAIR NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND WASH CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
43
67
Nov 1, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cardboard used as a liner for cooler and freezer drawers, instructed to remove and use a non-absorbent material.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: prep coolers not clean at lower shelf, food debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
33
90
Apr 12, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: standing water and organic matter found at the bottom shelf of drawer cooler at main kitchen, instructed to clean and maintain.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Shelves not clean in prep area, found dust and debris. instructed to clean and maintain.
33
90
Jul 27, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF STATE APPROVED FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF STATE APPROVED FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION.
45
95
Jul 16, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALL SURROUNDING THE MOP SINK AND HOT WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL TO MINIMIZE/ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF STATE APPROVED FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF STATE APPROVED FOOD HANDLER EDUCATION.
45
90
Apr 1, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Sep 18, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 17, 2013
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST ADEQUATELY INSTALL AN EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK TO THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA WITH HOT AND COLD WATER PER CITY CODE. SINKS MUST BE CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, ETC. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER PER CITY CODE TO THE MOPSINKS ON THE MAIN LEVEL AND GROUND LEVEL KITCHEN.
38
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe on file is from Jul 29, 2021. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “management, food employee and conditional employee” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe.

Has Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Aramark-Field Museum — Explorer Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.