Alexandria Restaurant Inspections: Dead Rodent, Ice Machine Mold, More Violations

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Several facilities in Alexandria recorded violations during recent health department inspections in July, including one with a pest violation.

Health inspectors conduct most restaurant, school, child care center and other health inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually. Violations typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected.

For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation. Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Other violations are addressed later, and an inspector may conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance.

Here are the most recent inspections from Alexandria, according to the Alexandria Health District. Of note, Waffle Shop was found with a dead rodent and insects, leading health inspectors to recommend removing any dead pests. Several restaurants were found with mold or other debris in the ice machine. Some restaurants received perfect inspection results, either from follow-up inspections to correct violations or from routine health inspector visits.

Los Cuates Restaurant: 1116 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 23

Violations:

• Employees are not monitoring holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods to ensure that they are properly held hot or cold. Many TCS foods were observed holding at improper temperatures throughout the facility. Employees are not monitoring temperatures.
• Observed no paper towels at the hand washing sink near the 3 bay sink.
• The chemical sanitizer generated by a device located on-site at the food establishment is not operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Dish machine observed at 25 ppm.
• Observed cooked chicken (95-116) on the stove hot holding at improper temperatures.
• Observed multiple TCS items in the M3 reach in, pre unit, 2dr Low boy unit, and on the counter cold holding at improper temperatures.

219 Restaurant: 219 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 23

Violations:

• Surfaces of ice bins and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required.
• Observed that mops are improperly stored between use. Stored in mop buckets.

Panera Bread #7007: 1940 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 23

Violations: No violations found.

Lost Dog Cafe: 808 N Henry St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 23

Violations: No violations found.

Domino's Pizza #4334: 4698 King St Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• A certified food protection manager is not on site. 3 persons are signed up to take the exam this week. The individual last week who took the test, failed. An additional follow up inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance.

Benny Diforza's: 1504-B Mt. Vernon Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• No employee with a certified food protection manager certificate.
• Hand sink at the bathroom was measured at 80 F.
• Water temperature of 3 comp sink was at 80 F.

Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana: 3231 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• A food employee was observed eating, smoking, or drinking in areas where they may contaminate food, equipment, utensils or other items needing protection.
• The walls and caulking around the 3 compartment sink observed with food build up and the caulking is no longer in good repair.

TGI Friday's- Krispy Rice, Kumi, Stonie Bowl, Wow Bao #193: 4650 King St Alexandria, VA 22302

Last inspection: July 22

Violations: No violations found.

Jersey Mike's: 3219 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required.
• Working containers of poisonous and toxic materials are not properly labeled with a common name.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor.
• Improper use of wet wiping cloths for the following activity: Multiple wet towels were observed outside of the sanitizing bucket while not in use.
• Metal and plastic pans were found stacked while wet after cleaning and chemical sanitization.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust food residue, and/or other debris: Tomato case storage shelf
• The walls and caulking around the 3 compartment sink and restroom sink observed as no longer in good repair. Caulking observed missing around the 3 compartment sink.

Clyde's At Mark Center: 1700 N. Beauregard St Alexandria, VA 22311

Last inspection: July 22

Violations: No violations found.

Halal Guys: 3167 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• The gyro meat was not cooked to a sufficient temperature and time to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. Gyro meat was shaved and the temperature was observed at 110°F.

King Street Cafe: 1018 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• Observed swiss cheese (41-62) in the small prep unit and shelled eggs (45-52) and chopped lettuce (41-52) in the large prep unit cold holding at improper temperatures.

Tequila & Taco: 540 John Carlyle St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• This is a core item Observation: Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required. Observed ice machine with accumulations of mold.
• Observed diced tomatoes (44-50 F) and boiled egg (50 F) in the top portion of the salad prep unit cold holding at improper temperatures.
• The following food item(s) for which time rather than temperature is being used as a control was not marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control. Beer batter and flour that meat product directly contacts was not labeled with a discard by time.

Sweetfire Donna's: 510 John Carlyle St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 22

Violations:

• Water from the handwashing sink at the cookline was measured at a temperature less than 85°F.
• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required. Observed ice machine with heavy accumulations of mold. Additionally, ice bin on the soda dispenser observed with mold accumulations.
• Observed pulled pork (130) in the hot box holding at improper temperatures.
• Observed cut collared greens (76) under the 3 bay sink and cole slaw (41-49), pico (41-50), potato salad (41-50), chicken salad (46), corn (46), mac and cheese (45), bean salad (51) in the prep unit cold holding at improper temperatures.

Del Ray Pizzeria: 2218 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: July 19

Violations:

• Observed no hand soap at the upstairs bar.
• Observed half and half creamer, milk, and raw steaks all cold holding above 41 F. Observed a container of raw eggs stored on the cart that was not put away from last night.
• The server station refrigeration unit was cold holding above 41 F. TCS foods in that unit were out of temperature control.

Bob & Edith's Diner: 1743 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 19

Violations: No violations found.

Rock It Grill: 1319 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 19

Violations: No violations found.

Chim & Churri: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: July 18

Violations: No violations found.

Best Taste: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: July 18

Violations: No violations found.

Thai Golden Spoon: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection:

Observed that the hood filters and floor drain under the 3 compartment sink is in need of cleaning.

Kaizen Tavern (now Zuki Moon): 1909 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301

Last inspection: July 18

Violations: No violations found.

Jamaican Breeze: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: July 18

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: chicken.
• The following utensil was observed in a state of repair and condition preventing effective maintenance and cleaning/sanitization: spoons.

Empanadas De Mendoza, LLC: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: July 18

Violations:

Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor: Sugar and Flour.

Diverse Dining: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: July 18

Violations: No violations found.

District Small Bites: 1033 W. Glebe Rd Alexandria, Virginia 22305

Last inspection: July 18

Violations: No violations found.

Thai Signature: 722 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 17

Violations:

• Inside components of the ice machine were soiled. The interior side walls and the ice chute in particular were visibly soiled.
• Observed several foods cold-holding above 41 F. The prep unit across the ice machine was not cold holding below 41 F. Several items were left out for too long. Chicken wings in the 1 door upright was above 41 F but staff did not know why.
• Observed several spray bottles in throughout the establishment with no labels.
• Observed several pans of chicken covered and cooling in the 1 door upright. Chicken was kept in bigger portions and stacked upon on another in the 1 door upright that was cold holding above 41 F.
• The prep unit across the ice machine was cold holding above 41 F.
• Observed the hood system and filters to be heavily soiled. Observed grease dripping from the filters and the hood.

ESP Tea & Coffee: 1012 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 17

Violations:

• Observed packaged containers of baklava and basbousa that were not properly labeled.
• The restroom doors were kept open and were not installed with self-closing devices.

District Taco: 701 S. Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 16

Violations: No violations found.

Citrus & Sage: 801 N. St. Asaph St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 16

Violations:

• TCS foods in the WIC were all above 41 F due to the door being left opened for long periods of time. Observed sliced cheese stored in the prep unit, over the fill line cold holding above 41 F.
• Observed containers of food cooling from breakfast, all covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Z Burger: 684 S. Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection:

• Observed pizza slices and blanched fries not being temperature monitored. After further discussion with staff, items are controlled by time (no time stamp observed).
• The prep unit is cold holding above 50 F. Most of the items were non-TCS. The unit was holding sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce but both items were cut in the morning and was in the process of cooling.

Don Taco: 808 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 15

Violations:

• Employees are not monitoring holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety foods to ensure that they are properly held hot or cold.
• No supervisors or managers are certified food protection managers. The employee onsite had an expired CFPM.
• The handwashing facility located at the upstairs and main bar is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required.
• The salsa (46°F ) inside the single glass door cooler and salsa (49°F) in an ice bath cold holding at improper temperatures. 3-501.16 (A) (2) IS A REPEAT VIOLATION FROM A ROUTINE INSPECTION CONDUCTED ON JANUARY 08, 2024.
• Observed the following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food being held for more than the specified time/temperature allowed: house made aioli (made 7/4), house made tartar sauce (made 7/6).
• Observed several unlabeled chemical spray bottles stored throughout the facility. 7-102.11 IS A REPEAT VIOLATION FROM A ROUTINE INSPECTION CONDUCTED ON JANUARY 08, 2024.

Como en Casa: 4112 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• Observed rice (122°F) hot holding at improper temperatures.
• The following time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food was observed cold holding at improper temperatures: Horchata (52°F) in beverage dispenser; Yucca (44°F), potatoes (44°F) in walk in cooler.
• Food containers were not allowed to air dry prior to stacking.
• A chlorine test kit was not available to check the concentration of the chlorine sanitizing solution.
• Observed wet mop not being hung to air dry.

Bollywood Masala: 211 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• The handwashing facility located at the 2nd floor bar is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
• The chemical sanitizer generated by a device located on-site at the food establishment is not operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Bar dish machine at 0 ppm.
• The following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food in the refrigeration unit is not used within 24 hours of preparation and is not properly dated for disposition within 7 days at 41°F: all foods in the WIC, prep units.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: bar utensils in standing water and a knife used to cut sandwiches stored between prep units.

Urbano 116: 116 King Alexandria, VA 22315

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• The chemical sanitizer generated by the bar dish machine at the food establishment is not operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Reading at 10 ppm for chlorine.
• Surfaces of ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, and enclosed components of equipment are not being cleaned as required. Observed mold in the ice bin and beverage dispensing nozzle holders.
• Observed the following TCS food item out of temperature: chicken on the stove at 90-130 deg F.

Railbird Kitchen / Captain Gregory's: 804 N Henry St. 129 Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 12

Violations: No violations found.

Café du Soleil: 215 S. Union St Ste. #1 Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• There is no Northern Virginia Certified Food Protection Manager on duty during hours of operation.

The Wharf: 119 King St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 12

Violations: No violations found.

Potomac Yard Subway: 3825 Richmond Hwy A Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• Hand washing sign was not provided at the hand washing sink in the front prep area.

Waffle Shop: 3864 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: July 12

Violations:

• The Certified Food Protection Manager was not present at beginning of inspection.
• Observed uncovered food stored in the freezers.
• The interior surfaces of the ice machine had an accumulation of grime and debris.
• Observed dead rodent and dead insects in the facility.
• Observed single-use food containers being re-used for food storage.
• The handsink was not sealed to the wall.
• The cutting board along the grill is heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleanable.
• The racks in the reach in refrigerator are rusted and no longer smooth and easily cleanable.
• The nonfood contact surfaces of the cooking equipment and shelving had an accumulation of grime and debris.
• The pipes under the 3 compartment sink were observed leaking.

Big Bite Pizza: 666 S. Pickett St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: July 11

Violations: No violations found.

Le Refuge: 127 N. Washington St C Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• Molluscan Shellstock/Maintaining ID/Recording the Date Sold The date on which the last shellstock from the container is sold or served was not recorded on the tag or label. Observed multiple tags without dates written on them.
• Molluscan Shellstock/Maintaining ID/Tags Attached until Container Emptied Observed mussels in a container without a tag attached.
• The following ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food in the refrigeration unit is not used within 24 hours of preparation and is not properly dated for disposition within 7 days at 41°F: -carrot puree -cooked rice and other TCS food items in the cold units.

CAVA Mezze Grill #10074: 3525 A Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22305

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• Observed wet mop not hanging to air dry.

Doyles Outpost: 4620-A Kenmore Ave Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: July 10

Violations: No violations found.

Calabash African Cuisine and Bar: 514-c S Van Down St Alexandria, VA 22304

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• Observed an employee washing his gloves in the hand sink instead of their hands. Gloves being used for food prep were dishwashing gloves.
• Observed no handwashing signs at the bar hand sink and the kitchen hand sink.
• Observed spaghetti, fried fish and grilled chicken all hot holding below 135 F. Kitchen staff did not know the hot holding requirements.
• Observed a basin filled with water and whole tilapia fish. The fish was thawing in standing water and the fish was completely thawed out but it was not being monitored.

Dairy Queen: 1470 N. Beauregard St B Alexandria, VA 22311

Last inspection: July 10

Violations: No violations found.

1799 Prime Steak & Seafood: 110 S. Pitt St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• Observed several shellstock tags from May and June with no date-marking.
• Observed multiple cold holding violations. TCS foods in the appetizer unit, WIC, and grill drawers were cold holding above 41 F. Staff is also not regularly taking temperatures and monitoring these cold units.
• The WIC was originally cold holding above 45 F. The appetizer prep unit was cold holding at 50 F. The grill drawers (left) was cold holding at 43 F+.

Southside 815: 815 S. Washington St Alexandria, VA 22314

Last inspection: July 10

Violations:

• Multiple tcs food items were observed above 41 deg F: -mac and cheese / prep unit = 54 -par cook chicken wings / 1 door = 54 -ham / saute prep top = 52 -cooked pasta / saute prep bottom = 50.