Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine
Last inspected: May 17, 2018
74
Score
Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine has been inspected 13 times since 2011. On May 17, 2018, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either. The file hasn't been updated since May 17, 2018, so take the current picture with that in mind.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around six violations each, up from closer to four violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged 10 times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 17, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON WALK IN COOLER IN REAR, AND REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON SAID COOLER. DISCONTINUE USING CARDBOARD ON EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. AND SODA CRATES FOR STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, USE CORRECT RACKS FOR FOOD AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN DIRT AND DEBRIS FROM FRONT WINDOW SILLS .
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS, WALK-IN COOLER & FREEZER, TOILET ROOMS, MOP CLOSET AND DINING ROOM
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN DINING AREA, REAR PREP, WOMENS TOILET ROOM, AND MOP CLOSET. DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION FROM KITCHEN HOOD.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN DINING AREA AND REAR OFFICE.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER FROM THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED, ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
74
Jul 6, 2017
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY WIRE SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL OR REPLACE,
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, ALL NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN DAILY,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN THROUGHOUT PREMISES, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA AND FRONT DINING AREA HAS STAINED CEILING TILE, WALL SAME AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN DAILY,
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FAUCET LEAKING AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FRONT AND REAR STORAGE AREA CLUTTERED, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS, CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
41
74
Jun 26, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITY (THREE COMPARTMENT SINK) IN POOR REPAIR, WHEN WATER IS DRAINED FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, WASTEWATER BACKS UP IN OTHER COMPARTMENTS, NOT PROPERLY DRAINING INTO SEWER LINE, NOT PROPERLY BEING MAINTAINED, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, SERIOUS CITATION: 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUSTY WIRE SHELVING IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO RESEAL OR REPLACE,
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, ALL NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN DAILY,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN THROUGHOUT PREMISES, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA HAS STAINED CEILING TILE, WALL SAME AREA NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN DAILY,
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FAUCET LEAKING AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FRONT AND REAR STORAGE AREA CLUTTERED, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS, CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
41
70
Oct 18, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLER. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
40
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTD TO LABEL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WORN CAULKING WITH BLACK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND WALL. INSTD TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS SURROUNDING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND NEXT TO COOKING LINE NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS, GREASE. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE.
41
78
Apr 8, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALUMINUM FOIL ON ROLLING STORAGE CART. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME AND PAINT SURFACE IF NEEDED. IMPROPER SHELVING FOR WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTD TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVING.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF HOOD AND ATTACHED ANSEL SYSTEM WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME. ALL DOORS THROUGH OUT (STORAGE ROOM DOOR, WALK-IN COOLER DOOR, TOILET ROOM DOORS) NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME AND PAINT IF NECESSARY AFTER CLEANING.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: IMPROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS.
38
86
Mar 5, 2015
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR/REPLACE MISSING HANDLE TO WALK-IN COOLER DOOR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL STAINED LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT, HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT(DIRT, GREASY BUILD-UP).
35
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUSTOMER WALK THRU FOOD PREP AREA TO GO TO THE WASHROOM. ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ALLOWED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
44
82
Feb 23, 2015
Routine
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: NON COMPLIANCE NOTED WITH PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT# 1453554 DATED 9-19-14: -32- GASKETS AROUND DOORS TO COOLERS REMAIN IN POOR REPAIR WITH EXCESSIVE BUILD-UP(DIRT). -33- ALL INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS OF: COOKING EQUIPMENT( DEEP FRYER, AND WOK COOKING STATION), AND ALL COOLERS THROUGHOUT(DIRT BUILD-UP) STILL NEED CLEANING.-34- FLOORS THROUGHOUT INCLUDING INSIDE WALK-IN UNITS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS AND IN CORNERS(DIRT BUILD-UP). -35- DRIPPING GREASE, FOOD SPLATTERS, AND STAINS REMAIN ON WALLS AND CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. -38- BOTH FAUCETS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA ARE STILL LEAKING. -41- CLUTTER STILL NOTED IN REAR AREA OF ESTABLISHMENT. NON COMPLIANT VIOLATION 7-42-090 SERIOUS.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND STORED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR/REPLACE MISSING HANDLE TO WALK-IN COOLER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: CLEAN ALL STORAGE SHELVES , PREP TABLES, MICROWAVE OVEN, EXTERIOR OF HOT WATER TANK(DIRT BUILD-UP).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL STAINED LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT, HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT(DIRT, GREASY BUILD-UP).
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPAIR/REPLACE ALL BLOWN LIGHTS IN FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS(THESE AREAS MUST BE BRIGHT AND WELL LIT).
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: DISCARD DIRTY STANDING WATER FROM MOP PAIL IN REAR TO ELIMINATE POSSIBLE INSECT BREEDING
41
55
Sep 19, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS IN REACH IN COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN, TORN AND WITH BUILD UP. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLOOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR OF DISH MACHINE, INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS, SINK, INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER AND FRYERS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP IN CORNERS AND UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS WITH FOOD SPLATTER AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF GREASE DRIPPING AT SIDE OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. CEILING TILES WITH SPLATTER AND SOME MISSING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: BOTH FAUCETS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. LEAKING. FLOOR DRAIN IN FRONT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BACK ROOM AND IN DINING AREA MUST BE REMOVED AND MAINTAIN. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: ONLY AUTHORIZED FOOD HANDLERS ARE ALLOWED IN REAR PREP AREA.
44
70
Apr 17, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS, GREASE AND DEBRIS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE AND/OR ORGANIZE CUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
86
Mar 6, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS, GREASE AND DEBRIS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE AND/OR ORGANIZE CUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
86
Apr 4, 2012
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.MUST CLEAN EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS TO REMOVE EXCESS GREASE BUILD-UP IN THE MAIN KITCHEN AREA.
33
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 PROVIDE 3 SINK STOPPERS AT 3COMP SINK IN THE FRONT COUNTER SERVICE AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT REAR 3COMP SINK.
38
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.MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE AREA AS TO HAVE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
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.MUST PROVIDE ICE RECEPTACLE HOLDER FOR ICE SCOOPER AT FRONT ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.
43
82
May 4, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 27, 2011
License
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. THE WALK-IN FREEZER HOLDS 17 f TEMPERATURES, REPAIR THE FREEZER SO IT HOLDS 0 f.
2
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE DAMAGED REAR SCREEN DOOR SO IT IS PEST PROOF.
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. REPAIR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS SO THEY HOLD WATER.
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. CLEAN AND DEGREASE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REMOVE THE RUST FROM THE WALK-IN COOLER SHELVING.
32
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. THE KITCHEN AND DISH AREA BASEBOARDS ARE DAMAGED AND UNSANITARY, REPAIR THE BASEBOARDS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
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. REPLACE THE DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. CLEAN AND PAINT THE WOK LINE REAR WALL.
35
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine on file is from May 17, 2018. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine.
Has Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lemon Grass Restaurant — Lemongrass Thai Cuisine 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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