Cafe Alif
Last inspected: Sep 6, 2024
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Cafe Alif seven times, with records going back to 2021. The most recent visit was on Sep 6, 2024. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near six violations each time.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 10 times across the record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Cafe Alif is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 6, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
90
Aug 9, 2024
Complaint
2 critical violations. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER MAINTAINS AIR OF 45.8F TO 46.7F.TCS FOOD WERE STORED INSIDE THE UNIT.TECHNICIAN ON SITE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO CONDENSER UNIT PIPES ARE FROZEN WITH EXCESS ICE BUILD-UP. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION". DO NOT USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION: 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED COOKED AND RAW FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:COOKED MEAT WITH RICE INSIDE A POT AT TEMP OF 46.4F ;SOUP AT TEMP OF 46.7F; TWO CONTAINERS OF COOKED BEEF AT TEMP OF 45.9F TO 46.6F; THREE CONTAINERS OF CHOPPED RAW BEEF AT TEMP OF 45.7F TO 46.9F. COOKED PASTA AT TEMP OF 45.7F.CHOPPED HAM, BOILED EGGS AND DICED COOKED POTATOES AT TEMP OF 45.7F TO 46.4F. COOKED SAMSI(FILLED WITH BEEF) AT TEMP OF 45.1F. 1 CASE OF FRESH EGGS AT TEMP OF 46F. COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE PROVIDED. ALL MENTIONED FOOD WAS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUND 75, VALUE 289. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
22
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ARE CORRORDED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, AND SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN. CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER. REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: DRY FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
47
47
Jun 7, 2024
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK CORROTED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN.CLEAN,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERNT PART OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER,.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE
55
74
May 30, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED TCS FOOD STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: TWO COVERED POTS OF BROTH FROM COOKED LAMB AT TEMP OF 45.6F AND 46.5F. ALSO WE OBSERVED COOKED HOME MADE PASTA AT TEMP OF 61F.NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 20 VALUE 20. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED 3 ADULT ROACHS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BETWEEN RUBBER GASKET AND HINGE OF THE DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED PAPER TOWELS DISPENSER AT FRONT PREP AREA STORED ABOVE CUTTING BOARD OF PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PAPER TOWELS ABOVE HANDWASHING SINK.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: LABEL FOOD WITH COMMON NAME IN STORAGE AND ALL COOLERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXCESS GREASE AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF OVEN AND UNDER BURNERS BY THE WALL.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK CORROTED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN.CLEA,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERNT PART OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER,BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINKETC.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE
55
50
May 3, 2023
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE WITH SPILL KIT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-005.MUST PROVIDE.
5
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOODHANDLERS AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
58
82
May 16, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS WITH FOOD NAME ON ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS . MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON THE BOTTOM OF DOORS IN BOTH PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON PREP TABLES COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED INTERIOR IN ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER CHESTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Mar 10, 2021
License
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR HANDLE FOR FREEZER IN REAR. MUST REPAIR.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BATHROOM DOORS ARE NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL TIGHT FITTED SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOORS.
53
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Alif last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Alif on file is from Sep 6, 2024. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Alif?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Cafe Alif.
Has Cafe Alif's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Alif have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe Alif means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Cafe Alif inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Alif is inspected around two times per year on average.
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