Headline writers in newsrooms all over Chicago are rubbing the palms of their hands together in a smooth, slow motion as they consider the possibilities over this press release issued at this hour by the ever-vigilant Chicago Department of Public Heath. Complete press release follows:
Near West Side Restaurant Shut Down By City Health Department
Multiple Health Code ViolationsA Near West Side restaurant was shut down today after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation and other critical violations of the city health code.
Aroma on Randolph, 941 W. Randolph, (http://www.aromaonrandolph.com/) was shut down after inspectors found dozens of cockroaches in the kitchen, particularly in the drip pan of a stove.
The restaurant also was cited for raw sewage backing up from a floor drain in the basement kitchen, no hand washing sink in the basement kitchen, a non-functioning hand washing sink in the kitchen on the main floor, no soap or hand towels at any sink on the premises, employees laying their shoes and clothing on top of plates and utensils, houseflies and fruit flies in the kitchen, and a poorly maintained outside garbage area (grease on top of and on the ground around the grease box).
CDPH inspectors also cited Aroma on Randolph for two violations of Chicago’s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. Inspectors found two dozen dirty ashtrays hidden behind the bar. The second citation was issued because management had failed to post “No Smoking” signs as required by law.
The Aroma on Randolph web site states, “Our restaurant has a smoking area…”.
Smoking is prohibited in all restaurants in the city, as well as in the rest of the state.
Today’s inspection was triggered by a customer who contacted CDPH via the City of Chicago web site to allege that she had found a cockroach in her food.
Representatives of Aroma on Randolph will have to explain themselves at an administrative hearing on August 28 and pay fines expected to total $4,000 for the food sanitation violations and at least $400 for the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance violations.
Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or any other licensed food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to report it by calling 311 or visiting www.cityofchicago.org.