Chinese Lantern Bistro
Last inspected: Jun 23, 2015
78
Score
Across the available record, Chinese Lantern Bistro has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2013. The most recent visit was on Jun 23, 2015. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Chinese Lantern Bistro's record stops at Jun 23, 2015, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to five violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Chinese Lantern Bistro trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 23, 2015
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BLACK SLIME DEBRIS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER DOOR,AROUND THE RUBBER GASKET.ALSO FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES AT SAME LOCATION
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER AND ALONG BASEBOARD WALLS. REAR STORAGE AREA WITH DEBRIS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL SWEEPING AND REMOVAL OF DEBRIS IS NEEDED TO BE REMOVED FROM COMMUNE FLOOR HALLWAY.ELEVATE 6" OFF THE FLOOR ITEMS NEEDED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLE ON CEILING BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,WALL AT SAME AREA IS UNEVEN AND NOT CLEANABLE,INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL.WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BY THE REAR DOOR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
40
78
Jun 15, 2015
Suspected Food Poisoning
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Source sound condition, no spoilage, foods properly labeled, shellfish tags in place
Inspector notes: UNKNOWN APPROVED SOURCE.NO RECEIPTS AND DOCUMENTATION REGARDING THE SOURCE OF FOOD PRODUCTS: BEEF(#5 POUNDS FROZEN,#5 POUNDS NON-FROZEN) . FOOD STORED INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS.TAGGED FROZEN AND UNFROZEN BEEF AND CHICKEN.INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE.MUST PROVIDE RECEIPTS/DOCUMENTATION OF AN APPROVED SOURCE WERE FOOD IS BOUGHT. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(B)
1
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE: TWO CONTAINERS WITH COOKED EGG ROLLS STORED INSIDE CARDBOARDS IN COOLER AND UNCOVERED EGG ROLLS STORED INSIDE THE FREEZER ,ALSO READY TO EAT FOOD(BROCCOLI,ETC.) STACKED ON TOP EACH OTHER INSIDE THE TWO DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR FOOD CONTAINER TO STORED FOOD. SERIOUS VIOLATION: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: TWENTY RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND SHELVES AT COMMUNE REAR HALLWAY.AREA IS CLUTTERED WITH WOOD STORED ON FLOOR AND A LOT OF SHELVES OVERFLOWING WITH UNUSED ITEMS:TOOLS,BOXES,UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND FOOD JARS.INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATED WOOD 6" OFF THE FLOOR, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN,AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BLACK SLIME DEBRIS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER DOOR,AROUND THE RUBBER GASKET.ALSO FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES AT SAME LOCATION
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE ON FLOOR UNDER AND ALONG BASEBOARD WALLS. REAR STORAGE AREA WITH DEBRIS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOLE ON CEILING BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK,WALL AT SAME AREA IS UNEVEN AND NOT CLEANABLE,INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WALL.WALLS MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BY THE REAR DOOR,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: BOTH MANAGER AND EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT IN PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
67
Mar 4, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMEN,PIPE BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS,ALL SHELVES IN PREP AREA AND STORAGE,HOOD AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE LARGE CONTAINERS USED TO STORE RICE TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER AND GREASE.
33
90
Feb 23, 2015
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 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 OVER 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS AND 8 DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR AND STUCK TO THE TRAP IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE DINING AREA AND BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER NEAR THE SAME LOCATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE INFECTED AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. FOUND NO DROPPINGS OR PESTS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE MEAT IN THE DEEP FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS TO PROPERLY STORE MEATS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND A PIECE OF CARDBOARD ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE DEEP FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO USE NON ABSORBENT MATERIALS TO PROVIDE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMEN,PIPE BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS,ALL SHELVES IN PREP AREA AND STORAGE,HOOD AND FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE LARGE CONTAINERS USED TO STORE RICE TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER AND GREASE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND SPIDER WEBS ON THE DUCT WORK IN THE REAR STORAGE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE DRY STORAGE RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR KITCHEN.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE COOKING, PREPARING, OR HANDLING FOOD AT ALL TIMES.
42
67
Feb 14, 2014
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT SAID DOOR.
37
95
Jan 24, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 16, 2014
Complaint
14 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT RUNNING WATER PROVIDED AT BOTH EXPOSED HAND SINKS,THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS,AND CUSTOMER'S WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE RUNNING HOT WATER AT SAID SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
9
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: NO PAPER TOWELS/HAND DRYING DEVICE PROVIDED ON BOTH EXPOSED HAND SINK,NOR AT STAFF WASHROOM. NO PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED ON PREMISES.ALSO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA WAS COVERED WITH PINK RUBBER GLOVES AND OTHER ITEMS. EMPLOYEE NOT WASHING HANDS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS ON PREMISES. AT SAID SINKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
12
No evidence of rodent or insect infestation, no birds, turtles or other animals
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED RAT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN(INSIDE THE CARDBOARDS WERE FOOD CONTAINERS ARE STORED,UNDER THE SHELVES,BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ALONG BASEBOARD WALL),DINING AREA(UNDER THE RADIATOR),REAR FOOD STORAGE AND REAR HALLWAY.NUMEROUS TO COUNT. ALSO FOUND OPENED RODENT PESTICIDE UNDER THE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED,OBSERVED A LARGE HOLE BEHIND THE WHITE REACH-IN FREEZER.PREVIOUS CARDBOARD THAT SEALED HOLE IS GNAWED. ALSO SEAL WALL OPENING UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AREA,AND SEAL HOLES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-020
13
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE NOR ENROLLMENT TO SANITATION CLASS.INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL TO SANITATION CLASS AND PROVIDE RECEIPT. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 10-1-13,REPORT #1236016 #38-NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE MOP SINK ON PREMISES WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER WITH BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090 NO MOP SINK PROVIDED ON PREMISES.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS,IN THE KITCHEN FOUND COOKED FOOD STORED INSIDE THE DIRTY,NON-FOOD CARDBOARDS,WHICH WAS STORED INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER AND ALSO STORED BY THE DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD CONTAINERS WITH LIDS OR FOOD GRADE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMEN,PIPE BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS,ALL SHELVES IN PREP AREA AND STORAGE,HOOD AND FILTERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DEBRIS AND DEAD INSECTS INSIDE THE LIGHT SHIELD, IN PREP AREA DINING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: STOPPER IS NEEDED AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: STEM THERMOMETER IS NEEDED.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OPENED CONTAINERS WITH WASTE OIL, STORED AT REAR HALLWAY. ALSO REMOVE ACCUMULATED ITEMS ON FLOOR.INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE ITEMS.
41
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: NO "NO SMOKING" SIGN POSTED AT EVERY ENTRANCE A CONSPICUOUS SIGN CLEARLY STATING THAT SMOKING IS PROHIBITED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE "NO SMOKING" SIGNS. CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE.POSTING OF SIGNS:7-32-020 FIRST OFFENSE FOR 2014.
70
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACE. EVIDENCE OF 8 CIGARETTE BUTTS ON PREMISES, 2 BUTTS INSIDE THE PLANTS IN FRONT OD WINDOW IN DINING AREA,ONE UNDER THE DINING TABLES,UNDER PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN BY THE DOOR OF STAFF WASHROOM IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AREA MENTIONED. NO PERSON SHALL SMOKE IN A PUBLIC PLACE. CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE: 7-32-015 FIRST OFFENSE FOR 2014.
70
50
Oct 9, 2013
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SHELVES ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE UNCLEAN SHELVES.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE MOP SINK ON PREMISES WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER WITH BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE.
38
90
Oct 1, 2013
License
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: STAND UP REACH IN COOLER (BY EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL) NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE AT 50 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR COOLER, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MUST BE 40 F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL IN PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL IN PREP AREA WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES ON WEST WALL IN DINING AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL PEST/INSECT ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL COPY OF CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SHELVES ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE UNCLEAN SHELVES ALSO MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS (X2) FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE MOP SINK ON PREMISES WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER WITH BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE.
38
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chinese Lantern Bistro last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chinese Lantern Bistro on file is from Jun 23, 2015. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chinese Lantern Bistro?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Chinese Lantern Bistro.
Has Chinese Lantern Bistro's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Chinese Lantern Bistro have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chinese Lantern Bistro means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
Nearby Restaurants