Le Cafe
Last inspected: Jul 31, 2017
74
Score
Going back to 2012, Le Cafe has 14 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jul 31, 2017. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. The file hasn't been updated since Jul 31, 2017, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near six violations each time.
The pattern that stands out is “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, which has been cited seven times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 31, 2017
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INSIDE COOLERS NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE/INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
31
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT FIXTURE NEAR THE EXPOSED HANDSINK AT BASEMENT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT THE DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE FRONT DESSERT DISPLAY COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER FOR COOLER.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER(S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
74
Jul 24, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE--ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE,REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INSIDE COOLERS NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE/INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
31
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT FIXTURE NEAR THE EXPOSED HANDSINK AT BASEMENT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHT FIXTURE AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL WATER LEAK AT THE DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE FRONT DESSERT DISPLAY COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER FOR COOLER.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER(S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
70
Jul 26, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed no consumer advisory posted on site, facility prepares eggs, beef, chicken. Instructed facility to post and maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed torn gaskets on the 1 door prep cooler and the three door prep cooler on the first floor. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the wall behind the handsink and three door cooler on the first floor to have peeling paint and be in poor repair. Instructed facility to repair and maintain so wall is smooth and easily cleanable.
35
86
Jul 19, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: Observed no soap at the exposed handsink in the basement prep area. Facility installed during inspection. Instructed facility to maintain soap and paper towels at all times at all exposed handsinks. Critical citation issued 7-38-030.
12
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: Observed a black, mold-like substance on the interior portion of the ice machine. Instructed facility to dispose of all ice, clean, sanitize, and maintain machine. Serious citation issued 7-38-005(a).
16
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: Observed no inspection report summary, from inspection # 1561742, dated 7-31-15, displayed or visible to all customers. Instructed facility that the most recent inspection report summary must be displayed and visible to all customers at all times. Provided a new inspection report summary from this inspection and posted. Serious citation issued 7-42-010(b).
28
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Observed no consumer advisory posted on site, facility prepares eggs, beef, chicken. Instructed facility to post and maintain.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed torn gaskets on the 1 door prep cooler and the three door prep cooler on the first floor. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the wall behind the handsink and three door cooler on the first floor to have peeling paint and be in poor repair. Instructed facility to repair and maintain so wall is smooth and easily cleanable.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Observed foodhandlers at the front counter not wearing proper hair restraints. Instructed facility to ensure all foodhandlers wear proper hair restraints and to maintain.
42
70
Jul 31, 2015
Recent Inspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, POSTED OR AVAILABLE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE AVAILABLE, AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED, SERVED AND PREPARED, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND INTERIOR OF COOKING FRYER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR FIRST FLOOR PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FREQUENTLY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BY FIRST FLOOR TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD MISSING ON LIGHT BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
74
Jul 24, 2015
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, POSTED OR AVAILABLE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE COOKED AND SERVED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS WITH PROOF OF ENROLLMENT OR ACTUAL CERTIFICATE MUST BE AVAILABLE, AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE COOKED, SERVED AND PREPARED, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND INTERIOR OF COOKING FRYER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR FIRST FLOOR PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FREQUENTLY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BY FIRST FLOOR TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD MISSING ON LIGHT BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
74
Jul 16, 2015
Routine
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 10 RODENT DROPPING REAR COMMON STORAGE AREA, AREA CLUTTERED CAUSING A RODENT HARBORAGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN, MUST STORED ALL ARTICLES 6 INCHES AWAY FROM WAY AND 6 INCHES OFF OF FLOOR SURFACES, CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE ALL AREAS, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: TWO COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SPAY DEVICE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, IN POOR REPAIR, NOT MAINTAINED OR PROPERLY WORKING, WHILE RUNNING AND DRAINING WATER AT TWO COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER FROM AIR GAP OVERFLOWING FROM DRAIN ON TO FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DRAIN LINE AND GREASE TRAP TO PREVENT INADEQUATE DISPOSAL OF DRAIN WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND INTERIOR OF COOKING FRYER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR FIRST FLOOR PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FREQUENTLY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BY FIRST FLOOR TWO COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT SHIELD MISSING ON LIGHT BASEMENT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
67
Dec 9, 2014
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
95
Dec 2, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE DISPLAY AND SERVICE. OBSERVED TWO TRAYS OF BAKED GOODS SITTING ON TOP OF DISPLAY COOLER NEXT TO CASHIER THATS NOT COVERED OR PROTECTED FROM CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOODS MUST BE COVERED WHILE ON DISPLAY. ALSO, INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED OF ICE MACHINE WHERE ICE IS BEING MADE HAS BLACK SUBSTANCE AROUND PARTS WHERE FRESH ICE IS BEING MADE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. "HELD FOR INSPECTION" TAG PLACED ON ICE MACHINE.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
16
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITIES NOT MAINTAINED OR OPERATED. WHILE RUNNING AND DRAINING WATER AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WATER FROM AIR GAP OVERFLOWING FROM DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DRAINLINE AND GREASE TRAP TO PREVENT INADEQUATE DISPOSAL OF DRAIN WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
24
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INSIDE COOLERS NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINA CONTAINERS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTMAINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS, SLICER IN BASEMENT, AND PREP COUNTER/CUTTING BOARD NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FREQUENTLY.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NOT CONSPICUOUS INISDE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL THERMOMETERS CONSPICUOUSLY INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
70
Mar 7, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi use utensils not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in corners and behind equipment not cleaned. instructed to detail clean daily and remove food debris.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided inside coolers in 1st fl prep area. Instructed to provided thermometer conspicuously inside coolers.
40
86
Apr 15, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLERS AND DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO DATE/LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED, INSTRUCTED TO INVERT/PROPERLY STORED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD DEBRIS ON EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, SLICER, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES IN BASEMENT, EXTERIOR OF DISH MACHINE AND MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS, MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREP AREAS AND STORAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT.
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: CLEANING TOWELS IMPROPERLY STORED, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
43
74
Jan 7, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
38
95
Dec 28, 2012
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE NOT SANITIZING AT THIS TIME, 0 PPM CHOLORINE. DISHMACHINE NOT USED AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER DISHMACHINE MUST BE SANITIZING AT 100 PPM CHLORINE, MUST WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK UNTIL DISHMACHINE IS SANITIZING. DISHMACHINE TAGGED BY CDPH AT THIS TIME. NO CITATION ISSUED.
8
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: COFFEE PREP HANDWASH BOWL COMPLETELY CLOGGED, ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WASH HANDS AT ADJACENT PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL LOCATED 10 FT AWAY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SINK BY DATE OF REINSPECTION (01/04/13).
26
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES AT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN BASEMENT FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLS/CORNERS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ICE MACHINE.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS.
40
74
Aug 22, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Le Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Le Cafe on file is from Jul 31, 2017. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Le Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Le Cafe.
Has Le Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Le Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Le Cafe 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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