Cafe Descartes

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Oct 31, 2013

Score

Low Risk

Across the available record, Cafe Descartes has three inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 31, 2013. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. Note that Cafe Descartes's inspection history hasn't been updated since Oct 31, 2013; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.

“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Oct 31, 2013

Routine

5 minor violations.

View 5 violations

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION AT 10:55AM OBSERVED STAFF MEMBER MAKE AND SERVE A SOY MILK COFFEE DRINK WITHOUT A CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST ALWAYS BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED (SOY MILK).

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE ONE OF TWO SLIDING DOORS AT THE CROISSANT/MUFFIN DISPLAY CASE.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector notes: MUST REAPIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL COVING AT ENTRY WAY INTO THE COFFEE SERVICE STATION.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE BETTER LIGHTING IN THE ROOM WHERE THE 3-COMP SINK IS LOCATED. LIGHT BULBS ARE BURNT OUT. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector notes: MUST TIGTHEN BASE OF THE 3-COMP SINK FAUCET BASE TO PREVENT LEAK.

Oct 21, 2011

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. UNUSED COOLER STORED IN DISH WASHING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND BETTER ORGANIZE.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. DISPOSABLE CUPS USED AS ICE SCOOP, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER SCOOPS

Oct 20, 2010

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

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. HAND SINK BASIN NOT CLEAN, FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRTY SPONGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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. WALL BEHIND HAND SINK IN POOR REPAIR, PEELED PAINT AND EXPOSED DRY WALL, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Descartes last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Descartes on file is from Oct 31, 2013. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Descartes?

Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cafe Descartes.

Has Cafe Descartes' inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Cafe Descartes have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

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