Cafe Mimoza
Last inspected: Jan 9, 2024
90
Score
Cafe Mimoza has been inspected 16 times since 2012. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 9, 2024. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Public records show no inspections at Cafe Mimoza since Jan 9, 2024, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around eight violations to closer to two violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 9, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS.
48
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
58
90
Nov 17, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED BOXES OF LIQUOR STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
90
Dec 2, 2021
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2385913 ON 8/11/20 NOT CORRECTED: 58 - NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE NOT SIGNED THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
3
82
Aug 11, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN SOUP, SALSA, FRIED BEANS)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION TO TEST CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER PF. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
78
Aug 20, 2019
Reinspection
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no employee health policy in place at this time. Instructed management to establish employee health policy and have all active employees sign. 90 day grace period.Priority Foundation 7-38-010,No Citation issued at this time.
3
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed no backflow prevention device installed on service sink in rear near restrooms. Instructed to install and maintain.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed unused equipment in basement including pizza oven connected to gas line, large mixer, mini fridge, full size refrigerator, coffee equipment, and various other items. Instructed to remove unnecessary items, clean, and maintain.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Observed incomplete food handler certificates on premises. Instructed to maintain physical copies of all food handler certificates on premises for all employees at all times.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Observed no allergen training on site. Instructed to keep and maintain allergen training on premises.
58
74
Aug 8, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: Refrigerator across from grill is not maintaining proper temperature. Ambient air measured 45.9. This equipment is tagged held for inspection. Must not use until the cdph office notified for tag removal. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain proper temperature of 41 f or colder at all times. No TCS foods inside cooler and facility has other working cooler and is not open and operating.Priority Violation 7-38-005, No citation issued at this time.(cos)
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no employee health policy in place at this time. Instructed management to establish employee health policy and have all active employees sign. 90 day grace period.Priority Foundation 7-38-010,No Citation issued at this time.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Observed no vomitting and diarrheal clean-up kit on site at this time. Instructed to provide kit including gloves, face masks, disposable mops, and a cleaning solution effective against Norovirus. 90 day grace period.Priority foundation 7-38-005, No citation issued at this time.
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Observed black and pink, slimy, mold-like substances inside ice machine. Ice is used for human consumption. Instructed management to remove all ice,clean, sanitize, and maintain. Priority Foundation 7-38-005, citation issued.
16
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Observed uncovered trash receptacle in women's restroom. Instructed to provide covered receptacle in women's room.
53
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Observed deep grooves in cutting board. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain a smooth cutting surface.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed excessive build up of gum and debris underneath top of bar on customer dining side. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed no backflow prevention device installed on service sink in rear near restrooms. Instructed to install and maintain.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed the 3 compartment sink in bar area drains slowly with water going from center compartment to right compartment before completely draining. Instructed to repair and maintain.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed build up of black grease and dirt on hood over oven. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed unused equipment in basement including pizza oven connected to gas line, large mixer, mini fridge, full size refrigerator, coffee equipment, and various other items. Instructed to remove unnecessary items, clean, and maintain.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed cobwebs and a hold in the corner formed by wall that separates bar from kitchen and standing freezer. Instructed to detail clean, repair, and maintain in good condition.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed build-up of grease and dirt on wall behind 3 compartment sink and oven in kitchen. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Observed incomplete food handler certificates on premises. Instructed to maintain physical copies of all food handler certificates on premises for all employees at all times.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Observed no allergen training on site. Instructed to keep and maintain allergen training on premises.
58
37
Feb 21, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Found grocery bag being used to store frozen food. Instructed to replace with food grade storage bag.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Heavy dust and spider webs accumulated on the back of the liquor shelve in the basement. Must clean, remove dust and spider webs and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Leak on the hot handle of the faucet of the 3 compartment sink. Must repair to stop the leak.
38
86
Jul 21, 2017
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: WALLS IN THE DINING AREA WITH PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE THE PEELING PAINT AND RE PAINT AND MAINTAIN. CEILING VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN. FILTER ON THE HOOD IN THE KITCHEN WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING ONE MORE DRAIN STOPPER FOR THE 3 COMPT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Jul 12, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM THE 1ST AND 3RD COMPT SINK OF THE 3 COMPT SINK,WHEN I PULLED OUT THE DRAIN STOPPER FROM THE MIDDLE COMPT SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. OWNER CALLED THE PLUMBER TO FIX THE PROBLEM DURING INSPECTION. PLUMBER CAME JUAN CARLOS FROM ESPIN PLUMBING INC, TEL# 708-770-5836 AT 10:30AM AND WAS ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. 3 COMPT SINK IS NOW DRAINING WELL,NO MORE WASTE WATER BACKING UP.
10
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: INTERIOR PANEL BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF THE ICE MAKER NOT MAINTAINED. WITH WET BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE SURFACES WHERE THE WATER IS COMING FROM. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE SURFACES AND NOT TO USE THE ICE MAKER UNTIL THE VIOLATION IS CORRECTED.
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER WITH DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN THE DINING AREA WITH PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE THE PEELING PAINT AND RE PAINT AND MAINTAIN. CEILING VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN. FILTER ON THE HOOD IN THE KITCHEN WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING ONE MORE DRAIN STOPPER FOR THE 3 COMPT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Oct 14, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: THE PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1966142 DATED ON 10/07/16 NOT CORRECTED-#18 OBSERVED 3 LIVE ROACHES BEHIND BAR COUNTER AND 1 LIVE ROACH IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE ALL ROACH/PEST ACTIVITY ALSO MUST CONTACT PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE OF ESTABLISHMNET. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
14
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #14
18
Toxic items properly stored, labeled and used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WHITE PILLS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES, CANNOT DISTRIBUTE THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER WHITE PILLS MUST BE IN CONTAINERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKS/CREVICES BETWEEN WOOD PIECES/FRAME BEHIND BAR AND COFFEE AREA. MUST SEAL ALL CRACKS/CREVICES.
32
82
Oct 7, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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 6 LIVE ROACHES BEHIND BAR COUNTER AND 1 LIVE ROACH INSIDE 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA DRY STORAGE CABINET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY BY DATE OF REINSPECTION. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020. CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKS/CREVICES BETWEEN WOOD PIECES/FRAME BEHIND BAR AND COFFEE AREA. MUST SEAL ALL CRACKS/CREVICES.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE DRAINING SLOWLY ALSO MOP SINK PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAID SINKS.
38
86
Jun 3, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO SPLASH GUARD AT REAR PREP AREA EXPOSED HAND SINK NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN BAR AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
86
Apr 24, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Bulk storage containers in basement not labeled. Instructed to label all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed hand sink installed next to 1 compartment sink in basement. Instructed to install shield between both sinks.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Prep table next to stove and filter on exhaust hood not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and remove food debris.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Exposed insulation from ceiling in prep area. Instructed to remove all foam insulation.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Plumbers putty inside left side of three compartment sink. Instructed to remove toxic substance. Drain line under three compartment sink leaking. Instructed to repair to prevent leak.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided inside milk/beverage cooler. Instructed to provided thermometer visible inside all coolers.
40
70
Apr 1, 2013
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ON EQUIPMENT; MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE, COOLERS, CHEST FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, GREASE TRAP UNDER 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA 3PART SINK, AND BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES AT BASEMENT PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS AT PREP AREAS, BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND BAR AREA, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE DUST ON VENT COVERS INSIDE THE WASHROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: BAR AREA 3PART SINK FAUCET LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, AND MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT THE HAND WASHING BOWLS INSIDE THE WASHROOMS.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, FOOD HANDLER MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED CLEANING TOWELS INSIDE AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
43
70
Apr 9, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD UNDER STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL CEILING OPENING ALONG WALLS AT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED UNUSED (2) OVEN AT BASEMENT PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR PROVIDE VENTILATION/EXHAUST.
41
86
Apr 3, 2012
Routine
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cafe Mimoza last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cafe Mimoza on file is from Jan 9, 2024. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cafe Mimoza?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Cafe Mimoza.
Has Cafe Mimoza's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Cafe Mimoza have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Cafe Mimoza 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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