Landmark — Balena
Last inspected: May 31, 2017
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Landmark — Balena 11 times, with records going back to 2010. The latest inspection on file is from May 31, 2017. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The most recent inspection at Landmark — Balena is from May 31, 2017, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed”, which has been cited seven times.
Landmark — Balena's latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 31, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED BACKING OF RANGE WITH GREASY CHAR AT THE MAIN KITCHEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED LIGHT SHIELDS NOT COMPLETELY SHIELDING LIGHTS AT MAIN KITCHEN AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO COMPLETELY COVER LIGHTS WITH PROPER SHIELDS. NOTED BURNT OUT LIGHTS ADJACENT TO OVEN IN THE MAIN KITCHEN.INSTRUUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHTS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED VENTILATION IN ALL RESTROOMS NOT FUNCTIONING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR VENTILATION
38
86
Jun 29, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ACCUMULATION ON THE SHELVING IN THE REACH IN COOLERS AT THE MAIN BAR AND THE UPSTAIRS BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE SHELVING TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
95
Jul 1, 2015
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL PROPER COVERS ON ALL ICE BINS IN ALL BARS TO PROTECT ICE AT ALL TIMES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILE OUT SIDE OF PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENT WITHIN STAFF WASHROOM. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TAPE BEING USED TO SECURE LOOSE DRAINS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR TO A FULL WORKING ORDER AND MAINTAIN.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOT WATER HANDLER ON MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES.
45
74
Jun 12, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZRDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. BEEF AT 55.3F, FISH AT 54.2F, CHICKEN AT 55.4F,PORK AT 53,6F, HALIBUT AT 52.1F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. WALK IN COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 40.0F. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38.005(A). MANAGER DENATURED THE SAID PRODUCT WORTH $826.00 AND TOTAL 134LBS.
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST BOTH CHEST FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE BEHIND THE BAR AND MAINTAIN. MUST REMOVE ALL MILK CRATE BEING USED AS PALLET TO STORE STOCKS. PROVIDE REGULAR PALLET OR RAISED SHELVINGS TO STORE STOCKS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL THE GAP AROUND THE PIPE INSIDE THE WOMENS WASHROOM IN THE UPSTAIR DINING ROOM. GUEST WASHROOM VENT WITH DUST BUILD -UP,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MENS GUEST WASHROON WITH CRACKED CEILING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. DAMAGED WALLS THRU-OUT THE DRY FOOD STORAGE. MUST REPAIR MAKE IT SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE 3 DRAIN STOPPER FOR THE 3 COMPT SINK IN THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM AREA. SLOW DRAINING OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE BAR. MUST REPAIR TO HAVE A WELL DRAINING SINK.
38
78
Jul 17, 2013
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO, ONE QUART JARS OF HONEY NOT LABELED, FROM UNAPPROVED SOURCE. MANAGEMENT STATES THE HONEY WAS FROM A FARM. ALSO OBSERVED TEN SAUSAGES MADE ON PREMISES, CURED AND HANGING IN WALK-IN COOLER. ESTABLISHMENT HAS NO HACCP PLAN ON SITE AND HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED TO SMOKE OR CURE MEATS. ALL FOODS HELD TAGGED FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(B).
1
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: IMPROPER WORDING OF CONSUMER ADVISORY PRINTED ON MENUS. MUST POST OR PRINT ON MENUS PROPER, APPROVED WORDING FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY. BULK FOODS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN DOOR HANDLE REPAIRED WITH TAPE ON THREE DOOR COOLER IN 2ND FLOOR PREP. MUST REPLACE/PROPERLY REPAIR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS UNDER BAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FLOORS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AND MEAT WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLE IN WALL IN HALLWAY TO PASTA PREP ROOM. MUST SEAL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE RECENTLY INSTALLED PASTA PREP ROOM OR REMOVE PREP ROOM.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL ACCURATE INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN MEAT WALK-IN COOLER.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS OR BICYCLES IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE.
41
64
Dec 7, 2012
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE STAINED CUTTING BOARD AT THE PREP STATION.
32
95
Nov 30, 2012
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1234991 ON 8/28/12 NOT CORRECTED: 32/01 - REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS TO THE SALAD PREP COOLER. 36/01 - REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE STAINED CUTTING BOARD AT THE PREP STATION.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE PREP TABLE IN THE BASEMENT.
36
86
Aug 28, 2012
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED MOLD GROWTH ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. THE ICE MACHINE WAS CLEANED AND SANITIZED ON 8/29/12 AND I RETURNED TO COMPLETE THE REPORT AND WRITE THE REPORT ON 8/30/12. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS TO THE SALAD PREP COOLER.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TABLE TOP DEEP FRYER ON THE DESSERT PREP TABLE NOT UNDER A VENTILATION HOOD. MUST RELOCATE UNDER A VENTILATION HOOD OR PROVIDE VENTILATION FOR THE DRYER.
38
82
Aug 25, 2010
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. ALL CLEAN POT/PANS AT DISH AREA IN BASEMENT STORED INVERTED.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. UPPER PANEL AT ICE SHOOT INSIDE ICE MACHINE, MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS ON TABLE TOP CAN OPENER, MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. BLACK MOLDY CAULKING ALONG WALL AT DISH MACHINE, MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.
42
82
Jan 20, 2010
Recent Inspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 19, 2010
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES ON COOKS LINE STEAMTABLE. BONE MARROW SAUCE @51F, BEEF SAUCE @74.4F, RUDABEGGA VEGTABLE @135.8F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. INSTRUCTED MUST REHEAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS RAPIDLY ON STOVETOP TO 165F THEN HOLD HOT ON STEAMTABLE @140F.
3
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. OBSERVED SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION. EMPLOYEE USING EXPOSED HAND SINK AT 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA FOR THAWING FOOD IN PLASTIC BAG UNDER RUNNING WATER AND BEING USED AS A FOOD PREP SINK. FOOD DISCARDED AND INSTRUCTED MUST USE EXPOSED HAND SINKS FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY.
4
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. ALL EXPOSED TABLEWARES MUST BE COVERED/PROTECTED.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. UPPER PLASTIC ICE SHOOT INSIDE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOOR UNDER BAG IN BOX SODA DISPENSER WITH SPILLAGE MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FLOOR IN BASEMENT BOX FREEZER ROOM TO BEER STORAGE WITH LARGE CRACKS, OPEN GAPS. MUST SEAL FLOOR TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. FLOORS BEHIND BOX FREEZERS IN SAME ROOM MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. BRICK WALL IN BASEMENT BOX FREEZER ROOM CHIPPING WITH LOOSE CEMENT, MUST REPAIR. BLACK MOLD ALONG WALL AT DISH MACHINE, MUST REMOVE & MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS AND IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE PANTRY (BOTH).
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT MUST HAVE SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN 1ST FLOOR "HANDICAP" WASHROOM. LEAK AT NOZZLE ON BASEMENT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, MUST REPAIR.
38
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Landmark — Balena last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Landmark — Balena on file is from May 31, 2017. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Landmark — Balena?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Landmark — Balena.
Has Landmark — Balena's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Landmark — Balena have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Landmark — Balena means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
Nearby Restaurants