Serai
Last inspected: Oct 18, 2023
64
Score
Across the available record, Serai has seven inspections on file, the first dated 2016. Serai was last inspected on Oct 18, 2023. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Serai dates to Oct 18, 2023.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around six violations compared to roughly nine violations earlier on.
The pattern that stands out is “non-food/food contact surfaces clean”, which has been cited five times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Serai trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 18, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE AT 150F) IS BEING PREPARED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE SMALL PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE GRILL AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE AND PAINT OVER THE RUST OR REPLACE THE PREP TABLE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FREEZER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON THE CEILING OF THE BASEMENT WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE AFFECTED AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT LIQUOR STORAGE CLOSET.
55
64
Jun 13, 2022
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B)(4) PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2288481 ON 5/8/19: 58 - OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 2 DOOR FREEZER AND INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE WATER SUPPLY LINE TO THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 ONE OF THE UNISEX WASHROOMS IS MISSING A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
78
Jun 6, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2288481 ON 5/8/19: 55 - MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS/REAR STORAGE. 55 - MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN PREP & BAR AREAS 58 - OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM 5/8/19 WAS NOT POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOOD ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THEM TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST ALSO INCLUDE A STATEMENT BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT THAT: "THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
25
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE WATER SUPPLY LINE TO THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: ONE OF THE UNISEX WASHROOMS IS MISSING A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE DUST AND SOOT BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOODS AND FILTERS.
56
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, INTERIOR OF THE 2 DOOR FREEZER, INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND PROBE THERMOMETER.
49
61
May 8, 2019
Complaint
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC WAS NOT ON DUTY UPON ARRIVAL.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (RICE,SOUP,CHICKEN,BEEF,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES .MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:10 P.M.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF COOLERS SUCH AS 6LBS. COOKED TOFU,6LBS. SLICED COOKED PORK,11LBS. COOKED RICE,3LBS. COOKED GREEN BEANS,20LBS. COOKED SLICED CHICKEN,8LBS.COOKED POTATOES,8-GALLONS CURRY SAUCE,2-GALLONS GREEN SAUCE,2- GALLONS THAI SAUCE,5- DOZEN COOKED EGGS.PRODCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST DATE MARK ALL TCS READY TO EAT FOODS.APPX.54LBS. 12- GALLONS.$228.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
23
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PACK OF CIGARETTES AND LIGHTER ON FOOD STORAGE SHELF.MUST STORE EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS SEPERATELY FROM FOOD STORAGE.
6
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-1" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND PATIO DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE AND WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON DISH RACKS,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS AND FAN GUARD COVERS,EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP.MUST DELIME DISH MACHINE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL TILES UNDER 3- COMP SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA,DAMAGED WALL IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER FLOOR.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS/REAR STORAGE
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN PREP & BAR AREAS
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
45
Nov 20, 2018
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11 OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVES, CAN OPENER BLADE AND WIRE STORAGE RACKS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE DRAIN LINE OF THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE NORTH BATHROOM IN THE BAR AREA.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
74
Feb 24, 2017
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: : NOTED ASSORTED ITEMS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME, PREPARED BY AND/OR USED BY DATE.
30
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP AREA.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS IN THE BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS....INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SMOOTHEN CUTTING BOARD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND DIRT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT,OLD FOOD PARTICLES AND SPILLS INSIDE REAR 2 DOOR FREEZER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLAN AND MAINTAIN...MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELVES INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS AT THE BAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AT THE BAR AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD-UP ON WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OF THE BAR AND THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEED IN THE 3-DOOR COOLER IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
41
64
Dec 20, 2016
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED ITEMS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME, PREPARED BY AND/OR USED BY DATE.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS IN THE BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS....INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SMOOTHEN CUTTING BOARD AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND DIRT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT,OLD FOOD PARTICLES AND SPILLS INSIDE REAR 2 DOOR FREEZER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLAN AND MAINTAIN...MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELVES INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS AT THE BAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT AT THE BAR AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OF THE BAR AND THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Serai last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Serai on file is from Oct 18, 2023. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Serai?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Serai.
Has Serai's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Serai have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Serai 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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