Mini Palapita
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2021
55
Score
Mini Palapita appears in inspection records eight times, starting in 2017. The most recent report on file is from Jan 7, 2021. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either. The most recent inspection at Mini Palapita is from Jan 7, 2021, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around nine violations per visit versus roughly seven violations earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
4
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND INCOMPLETE VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL SPILL KIT (MISSING ITEM APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COMPLETE SPILL KIT AND WRITTEN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #57 (SOME FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE) AND #58 (NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ON SITE.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN) NOT CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 NO CITATION ISSUED
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOOSE FAUCET (COLD) HANDLE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (LEFT SIDE).
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE WASHROOM.
55
55
Sep 3, 2019
Complaint
4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN REQUIRED PROCEDURE/PLAN AND APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER/SPRAY THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR DISCLOSURE POSTED AND ON MENUS FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2185036 ISSUED ON 07-25-2018 PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED #58 - NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN KITCHEN HOOD FILTERS WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION IN FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA AND IN REAR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS ON PREMISE MUST BE STORED PROPERLY 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: UPGRADED TO VIOLATION #60
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (EG FLOUR,SUGAR, SALT ETC).
37
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE SINGLE SERVICE UTENSIL (FORKS, KNIVES, SPOONS) WITH HANDLES UP TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDER MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
48
41
Aug 2, 2018
Reinspection
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES ARE INFORMED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY DISEASE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012A,NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ON SITE.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, NO CITATION ISSUED. -
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USE OF GROCERY STORAGE BAGS TO STORE FOOD(BREAD FOR TORTAS). INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS FOR PROPER STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE FOOD PREP TABLE.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS AND MAINTAIN. -
47
67
Jul 25, 2018
Complaint
4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES ARE INFORMED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY DISEASE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012A,NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED (4) LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ALONG THE REAR WALL BASE UNDERNEATH CLUTTERED STORAGE RACKS NEAR THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA ALSO,(3) LIVE LARGE FLIES AT FRONT CUSTOMER DINING AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS IN DETAIL AND REMOVE PEST HARBORAGE AREAS,PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED. -
38
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING/CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE ON SITE.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, NO CITATION ISSUED.
58
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT CLEAN SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES AT FRONT COUNTER AREA (SPOONS,FORKS) TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.(HANDLES-UP).
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE FOOD PREP TABLE.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USE OF GROCERY STORAGE BAGS TO STORE FOOD(BREAD FOR TORTAS). INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS FOR PROPER STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SUCH THAT THESE SAID AREAS ARE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS SHELVINGS AND FAN COVERS,SIDES OF ALL HOT COOKING/HOT HOLDING FOOD EQUIPMENTS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS,CHEST FREEZERS,KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES AND LEGS OF EQUIPMENTS,ON PIPES ALONG BACK OF FRONT COOK LINE,KITCHEN HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL NOTICEABLE OPENINGS ON WALLS/CEILINGS AT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND STORAGE AREAS WHERE NOTED TO MANAGER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL CLEANING EQUIPMENTS MOPS AND BROOMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AND ELEVATED AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE WALL COVINGS BEHIND FRONT PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO SECURE WALL COVINGS WHERE NOTED TO MANAGER AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AT REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AND STORAGE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
56
39
Feb 22, 2018
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN UTENSILS POTS, PANS, FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FOLLOWING :THE BIG OPEN POT, CHOPPING BOARD WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK COLOR, THE BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE GRILL, AND PREP TABLES, ONE BURNER STOVE, KNIFE RACK AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN,REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP ON THE FAN GUARD OF THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN THE FRONT COOKING AREA AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE AND CORNER AND BEHIND THE COOLER IN THE REAR PREP /DISH AREA AND MAINTAIN. CLEAN THE FLOOR WITH DEBRIS, DRIED LEAVES, ETC IN THE FRONT PATIO AND MAINTAIN. MISSING FLOOR TILES UNDERNEATH THE WASHBOWL SINK AND BEHIND THE TOILET BOWL IN THE EMPLOYEE'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE THE EMPLOYEES'S WASHROOM WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN. FILTER/HOOD IN THE FRONT COOKING AREA WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLEANING EQUIPMENT SUCH AS BROOMS, MOP AND DUST PAN STORED BY THE COOLER, PREP AND COOKING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN DSIGNATED AREA AND MAINTAIN. ALL FOOD STOCKS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
41
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CASHIER LET THE CUSTOMER PAASSED BY THE PREP AREA WHERE THE WASHROOM IS LOCATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER AND CASHIER NOT TO LET CUSTOMER GO TO THE WASHROOM SINCE THE WASROOM IS LOCATED IN THE PREP AND COOKING AREA.
44
74
Aug 8, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 28, 2017
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING-UP FROM ONE COMPARTMENT INTO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELF ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND RAW WOOD SHELF ABOVE PREP TABLE AT SAME AREA.-------------MUST REFINISH CUTTING BOARD (ON TOP OF PREP TABLE) WITH DEEP SEAMS IN REAR PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF EXPOSED HAND SINK AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREA.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
45
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE SHELVES, ALSO FOUND 2 LIVE FLIES AT SAME AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CALL LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
64
Mar 29, 2017
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mini Palapita last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mini Palapita on file is from Jan 7, 2021. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mini Palapita?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Mini Palapita.
Has Mini Palapita's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Mini Palapita have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mini Palapita 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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