Caffe De Luca

1721 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Italian
Last inspected: Nov 18, 2011
100
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2010, Caffe De Luca has five inspections in the public record. On Nov 18, 2011, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. The file hasn't been updated since Nov 18, 2011, so take the current picture with that in mind.

Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around four violations to closer to zero violations per visit.

Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.

Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 18, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 15, 2011
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Serious violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #659225 ON 11/04/11 NOT CORRECTED. 18/01 - 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.WE CONTINUE TO OBSERVE FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY,RODENT ACTIVITY THAT IS MICE DROPPINGS MORE THAN 100+ IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT IN FRONT LINE KITCHEN AREAS,BENEATH COOKING EQUIPMENTS,2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE AREAS/OFFICE AREA,CRAYOLA BOX STORAGE DINING AREA,ELECTRIC METER SAME SAID AREA, BOTTOM SHELVINGS AT FRONT SERVICE AREA.MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS,REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES,PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS REQUIRED.ALSO PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM INITIAL REPORT DATED 11/4/11 FOR MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES COMPLIANCE: INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. 12/15/2010 33 All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. FLOORS ON 2ndfl WITH DEBRIS NEEDS CLEANING,ALSO FLOORS UNDER COUNTERS AND UNDER SHELVES IN FRONT PREP AND BAR SERVING AREAS NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AT DISH MACHINE AND AT FRONT KITCHEN COOKING AREAS WITH FOOD SPLASHES. 12/15/2010 MUST REPAIR FAUCET JOINTS AND KNOBS LEAKING ON EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK BY MOP SINK PREP AREA. 12/15/2010 MUST CORRECT ALL NOTED VIOLATIONS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090.
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
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health.WE OBSERVE THE GREASE TRAP BOX BENEATH THE 3 COMP SINK AREA DURING THIS INSPECTION AT REAR NOT MAINTAINED,WATER SEAPING ON FLOOR SAME AREA.MUST REPAIR TO GOOD WORKING CONDITION.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REPAIR/REPAINT ALL WOODEN BOTTOM SHELVINGS/INTERIOR CABINETS ALL ALONG NORTH WALL FOOD PREP TABLES USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH,PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMP SINK DISHWASHING REAR AREA.
32
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.THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENTS,DEEP FRYER,STOVES,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE PREP LINE COOLER, STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLE AND GAS LINES, ELECTRICAL LINES WITH GREASE/FOOD DEBRIS NEAR THE COOLER AND PREP TABLE, EXTERIOR OF THE COOLERS AND FREEZERS,BAR GUNS AND HOUSINGS ATTACHED ETC.
33
78
Nov 8, 2011
Tag Removal
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING.SEE REPORT.
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING.SEE REPORT.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING.SEE REPORT.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING.SEE REPORT.
38
82
Nov 4, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED MOLD GROWTH ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANIIZED. ALSO OBSERVED OPEN ICE BIN NOT PROTECTED STORED ON SHELVING AT HALLWAY LEADING TO TOILET ROOMS. MUST REMOVE,MUST BE PROTECTED AGAINST PUBLIC CONTAMINATION AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
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. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 11 LIVE FRUIT FLIES INSIDE THE DISHMACHINE/ REAR PREP AREA OF THE RESTAURANT. THE FRONT DOOR TO THE RESTAURANT NOT CLOSING PROPERLY ALLOWING A GAP AT RIGHT CORNER MODE OF ENTRY FOR PESTS. MANAGEMENT CLOSED THE DOORS TO THE RESTAURANT WHEN THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION.ALSO APPROXIMATELY 35 RODENT MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE RESTAURANT BOTTOM SHELVINGS AT FRONT SERVICE AREA,AND ON FLOORS IN 2ND FLOOR DRY STORAGE AREA/OFFICE.MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.RECCOMENDATION PEST CONTROL SERVICE MUST ELIMINATE OR MINIMIZE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PRESENT WITH THEIR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEANS,SOUPS) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #413485 ON 9/15/10 NOT CORRECTED: 30 All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DATE ON PREPARED FOOD CONTAINERS IN WALK IN COOLER. 11/15/2010 31 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. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT CLEAN UTENSILS ON SHELVES AND ON COUNTERS THROUGOUT FACILITY. 12/15/2010 32 All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. 12/15/2010 33 All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TOP OF ICE MACHINE. 12/15/2010 34 The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS ON 2ndfl WITH DEBRIS NEEDS CLEANING,ALSO FLOORS UNDER COUNTERS AND UNDER SHELVES IN FRONT PREP AND BAR SERVING AREAS NEEDS CLEANING. MUST ELEVATE DISH WASHER RACKS STORED ON BARE FLOOR 6" OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES. 12/15/2010 35 The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AT DISH MACHINE AND AT FRONT KITCHEN COOKING AREAS WITH FOOD SPLASHES. 12/15/2010 38 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 REPAIR FAUCET JOINTS AND KNOBS LEAKING ON EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK BY MOP SINK PREP AREA. 12/15/2010 40 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. INSTRUCTEDTO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS. 12/15/2010 41 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. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTERS ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE AND HAND WASH SINK BY MOP SINK. 12/15/2010 MUST CORRECT ALL NOTED VIOLATIONS BY REINSPECTION 11/11/11 .SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPAIR/REPAINT ALL WOODEN BOTTOM SHELVINGS/INTERIOR CABINETS ALL ALONG NORTH WALL FOOD PREP TABLES USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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 REPAIR LOOSE EXPOSED HANDSINK BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COOKLINE,DETAIL CLEAN FILTERS AND HOOD OVER COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
38
74
Sep 15, 2010
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DATE ON PREPARED FOOD CONTAINERS IN WALK IN COOLER.
30
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. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT CLEAN UTENSILS ON SHELVES AND ON COUNTERS THROUGOUT FACILITY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS.MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD PROTECTION ON EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK IN KITCHEN ON SMOOTHIE PREP AND BY CLEAN UTENSIL STORAGE SIDES.
32
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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TOP OF ICE MACHINA,AND EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK IN BAR WITH DEBRIS.
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 ON 2ndfl WITH DEBRIS NEEDS CLEANING,ALSO FLOORS UNDER COUNTERS AND UNDER SHELVES IN FRONT PREP AND BAR SERVING AREAS NEEDS CLEANING. MUST ELEVATE DISH WASHER RACKS STORED ON BARE FLOOR 6" OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AT DISH MACHINE AND AT FRONT KITCHEN COOKING AREAS WITH FOOD SPLASHES.
35
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 REPAIR FAUCET JOINTS AND KNOBS LEAKING ON EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK BY MOP SINK PREP AREA.
38
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. INSTRUCTEDTO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
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. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLUTERS ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE AND HAND WASH SINK BY MOP SINK.
41
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SEPARATE CONTAINER WITH COVER FOR ICE SCOOPS AT ICE MACHINE.
43
61

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Caffe De Luca last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Caffe De Luca on file is from Nov 18, 2011. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Caffe De Luca?

Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Caffe De Luca.

Has Caffe De Luca's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Caffe De Luca have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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