La Fontanella
Last inspected: May 8, 2019
74
Score
La Fontanella appears in inspection records 14 times, starting in 2010. The most recent report on file is from May 8, 2019. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either. Note that La Fontanella's inspection history hasn't been updated since May 8, 2019; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to two violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing eight times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so La Fontanella trails the local norm. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 8, 2019
Routine
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 ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR CUTTING BOARD STAINED AND PITTED INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
74
Jun 5, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND AT CORNERS IN BASEMENT OF DEBRIS.
34
95
Jun 1, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A WORKING VENTILATION FAN IN THE BASEMENT WASHROOM.
38
95
May 18, 2017
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER ACTIVELY FLOODING INTO THE BASEMENT THROUGH A BROKEN WATER LINE AT THE FOUNDATION WALL/FLOOR JUNCTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND TO MAINTAIN THE BASEMENT FLOOR DRY. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
10
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE BASEMENT WASHROOM. THERE IS CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS OVER ALL SURFACES IN THE WASHROOM. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. THERE IS A 1/2" GAP ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF ALL OUTER OPENINGS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA IS NOT MAINTAINED. THERE ARE MULTIPLE BAGS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS STORED ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN THE ALLEY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE GARBAGE PICKUP SO THAT ALL GARBAGE IS ABLE TO BE CONTAINED WITHIN THE DUMPSTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT WITH THEIR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COLD PLATE AND DRAIN LINES IN CONTACT WITH CONSUMABLE ICE IN THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE COLD PLATE AND DRAIN LINES FROM THE ICE BIN OR INSTALL AN ICE BIN WITH A COLD PLATE THAT IS NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONSUMABLE ICE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE OPENINGS IN THE BASEMENT CEMENT FLOOR FILLED WITH WATER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAKE BASEMENT FLOOR SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE WATER SOAKED DRYWALL IN THE BASEMENT ESPECIALLY IN THE WASHROOM.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ANY EXCESS CLUTTER FROM THE BASEMENT TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
41
64
Mar 28, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR ELEVATE (AT LEAST 6 INCHES) UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
41
95
Mar 21, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
22
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USED AS A PREP TABLE LINER IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND THRU OUT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO REUSE CARDBOARD, ALL SURFACES SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PINKISH/BROWN SUBSTANCE ON THE PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALL AND IN THE CORNERS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS ARE NEEDED ABOVE THE PREP TABLE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR ELEVATE (AT LEAST 6 INCHES) UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
41
74
Jun 18, 2015
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPAIR FLOOR AND REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BAR AREA. FLOORS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING COVER ON VENTILATION FAN IN MEN WASHROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL AN EXPOSED SINK IN BAR AREA.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
45
78
Jun 10, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL EXTENDING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT TO REACH ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE AND EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING COVER ON VENTILATION FAN IN MEN WASHROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTALL AN EXPOSED SINK IN BAR AREA.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
45
74
May 28, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DUST BUILDUP ON WALK IN COOLER CONDENSER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND A HOLE IN BASEMENT FLOOR NEAR BACK STAIRWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND HEAVY DUST BUILDUP ON WALL BEHIND STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: FOUND SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILETROOM DOOR NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
37
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE REMAINING, STORE AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL, AND MAINTAIN.
41
78
May 28, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, MEAT SLICER AND CAN OPENER BLADE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF STOVE IN KITCHEN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. SOME CRACKED FLOOR TILE IN WASHROOM; REPLACE OR SEAL WHERE NEEDED. SOME MISSING/WORN FLOOR TILE BEHIND BAR; REPLACE WHERE NEEDED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALL BEHIND STOVE TO REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP. CLEAN LOWER WALLS IN KITCHEN WHERE NEEDED. PAINT KITCHEN WALLS AND CEILINGS WHERE PREVIOUSLY PATCHED AREAS FROM CRACKED PAINT WAS REMOVED.
35
82
May 9, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES ARE DIRTY, CLEAN THE SHELVES IN DETAIL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE BACK OF STOVES ARE COVERED WITH DUST, CLEAN OFF THE DUST BUILDUP. THE ICE MACHINE IS STAINED ON THE INTERIOR LIP; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS ARE DIRTY UNDER THE STOVE AND PREP TABLE, CLEAN THE FLOOR AND DETAIL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE KITCHEN WALLS AND BASEBOARDS ARE YELLOWING AND DIRTY, CLEAN AND REPAINT THE WALLS AND BASEBOARDS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND CLEAN.
35
82
Dec 14, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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. THE THREE REACH IN FREEZERS HAS ICE BUILDUP LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DRFROST AND CLEAN THEM.
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. CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA AND THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
34
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. CLEAN THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS DUST BUILDUP.
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. PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO THE REACHIN COOLER.
40
82
Jun 8, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Health?s Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products. LABEL THE LARGE FOOD CONTAINERS FLOUR, SUGAR ECT.
30
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. FOOD STORAGE SHELVES HAS SOME CHIPPED PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND PAINT WITH NON TOXIC PAINT.
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 THREE REACH IN FREEZERS THICK WITH ICE BUILDUP LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN SAME.
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. FOUND MOLD ON THE FLOOR AROUND THE TOILET IN THE MENS TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
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. THE MENS TOILET ROOM IN THE BASEMENT HAS MOLD ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE TO REMOVE THE MOLD AND THEN PAINT SAME. SOME PEELING PAINT IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE PEELING PAINT AND PAINT SAME.
35
78
Jun 7, 2010
Special Events (Festivals)
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD AND RUSTY SURFACES. PAINT BOTH WITH A NON-TOXIC PAINT. REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVES ETC.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL ALL OPENINGS ON WALLS, MAKING WALLS TIGHT FITTING WITHOUT HOLES AROUND PIPED, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS NO CRACKS OR CREVICES PREVENTING INSECT HORBAGE. PAINT WHERE NEEDED WITH A LIGHT COLORED NON-TOXIC PAINT.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MAKE TOILET DOOR SELF CLOSING.
37
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was La Fontanella last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at La Fontanella on file is from May 8, 2019. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at La Fontanella?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at La Fontanella.
Has La Fontanella's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at La Fontanella have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at La Fontanella means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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