Birchwood Kitchen
Last inspected: Sep 1, 2015
64
Score
Going back to 2010, Birchwood Kitchen has nine inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Sep 1, 2015. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either. Note that Birchwood Kitchen's inspection history hasn't been updated since Sep 1, 2015; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around seven violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, showing up six times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Birchwood Kitchen trails the local norm. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 1, 2015
Reinspection
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUIL-UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT ON INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND IN ALL CORNERS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND BASEMENT NEAR TO EXIT DOOR NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING FURNACE ROOM, FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT ABOVE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN ALL COOLERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLE IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA SERVING AND PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESDTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS RECORDS, ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
64
Aug 25, 2015
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 55 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON BASEMENT WALLS, PIPES, CARDBOARD BOXES, AND STORAGE SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZED AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTRO; SERVICES IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE FLYING INSECT PROBLEM. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUIL-UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT ON INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND IN ALL CORNERS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND BASEMENT NEAR TO EXIT DOOR NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING FURNACE ROOM, FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT ABOVE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN ALL COOLERS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLE IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA SERVING AND PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESDTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE AT FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS RECORDS, ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
61
Aug 27, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME MISSING AND DAMANGED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. NOTED THE WALL IN THE WALK IN COOLER HAS PEELING PAINT AND EXPOSED BRICK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
90
Aug 22, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND PREP COOLERS AT IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURES OF 61.8F AND 50.1F, WHICH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE KEPT. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A). PREP COOLERS ARE TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN PREP COOLERS MENTION ABOVE. FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN SALAD AT 59.2F, TUNA SALAD 57.4F, SLICE TURKEY AT 56.5F, SLICE HAM AT 58.1F, SHRIMP SALAD AT 50.6F AND PORK LOIN AT 48.7F. TOTAL WEIGHT WAS 20LBS AND COST $250 OF FOODS THAT WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED. CITATION ISSUED #7-38.005(A).
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT BASEMENT PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME MISSING AND DAMANGED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. NOTED THE WALL IN THE WALK IN COOLER HAS PEELING PAINT AND EXPOSED BRICK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
82
Sep 12, 2013
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS BEHIND THE FRONT PREP AREA HAS OPEN SEAMS ALSO NUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN BASEMENT AREA ND REMOVE THE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA ALSO CLEAN THE FANS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF DUST
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL REACH-IN FREEZERS IN BASEMENT AREA
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FRONT PREP AREA
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA AND PREP COOLERS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THE REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE THE FURANCE IS LOCATED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
41
74
Sep 3, 2013
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A ICE MACHINE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA NOT WORKING ,HOWEVER OBSERVED ICE STORED INSIDE MACHINE WHICH HAS LARDE AMOUNTS OF BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT MACHINE AND WHERE ICE HAS BEEN MADE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY REMOVED ICE FROM MACHINE AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED THE ICE MACHINE DURING INSPECTION THERE IS A ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT WHERE ICE IS BEING MADE AND BROUGHT UPSTAIRS TO THE ICE MACHINE THAT IS NOT WORKING AT THE FRONT PREP AREA CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR IS NOT RODENT PROOF HAS A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR, ALSO OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE GARAGE OVERHEAD DOOR MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: THE ABOVE IS OPERATING WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS,SANDWICHES,EGGS, BACON,AND SOUPS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS BEHIND THE FRONT PREP AREA HAS OPEN SEAMS ALSO NUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK IN BASEMENT AREA ND REMOVE THE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA ALSO CLEAN THE FANS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF DUST
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL REACH-IN FREEZERS IN BASEMENT AREA
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DRAIN STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE FRONT PREP AREA
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER IN BASEMENT AREA AND PREP COOLERS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THE REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE THE FURANCE IS LOCATED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
41
64
Jul 12, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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.MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON WALL OVER 2 COMP SINK MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES,RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.CLEAN,ORGANIZE DRY STORAGE AREAS IN BASEMENT,REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS IN MOP SINK AREA.
41
90
Jul 5, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.FOUND APPROXIMATELY 40 RAT DROPPINGS IN CLUTTERED GARAGE STORAGE AREA.MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,REMOVE CLUTTER CONDITIONS FROM SAID AREA,PEST CONTROL SERVICE NOW RECCOMENDED.
18
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.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING THROUGHOUT INCLUDING FURNACE ROOM,FLOOR DRAINS.
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.MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT ON WALL OVER 2 COMP SINK MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES,RECAULK SURFACES OVER 3 COMP SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE WALK-IN-COOLER-MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.CLEAN,ORGANIZE DRY STORAGE AREAS IN BASEMENT,REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS IN MOP SINK AREA.
41
78
Feb 4, 2010
Routine
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. OBSERVED CLEANED MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES ON SHELVING UNITS AND THROUGHOUT FACILITY STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INVERT AT ALL TIMES. MUST STORE DISH WASHER RACKS 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MOP-SINK WITH SO MUCH DEBRIS,AND SHELVING UNITS THRU-OUT FRONT PREP AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS,CABINET UNDER COFFEE COUNTER WITH SPILLS,AND VENT IN TOILET WITH DUST NEEDS CLEANING.
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. FLOORS IN OFFICE WITH DEBRIS, FLOORS UNDER STORAGE SHELVES AT FRONT PREP AREAS WITH FOOD CRUMBS, AND STAIRWELLS WITH DARK MUDDED BUILD UP NEEDS CLEANING. MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN FURNACE ROOM WITH DEBRIS.
34
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: Soiled and clean linens, coats, and aprons shall be properly stored. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET JOINT ON 3COMP.SINK .
39
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Birchwood Kitchen last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Birchwood Kitchen on file is from Sep 1, 2015. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Birchwood Kitchen?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Birchwood Kitchen.
Has Birchwood Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Birchwood Kitchen have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Birchwood Kitchen means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
Nearby Restaurants