Hard Times Cafe, 3028 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 - Full Service Restaurant inspection findings and violations



Business Info

Restaurant: Hard Times Cafe
Address: 3028 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Type: Full Service Restaurant
Phone: 703 528-2233
Total inspections: 12
Last inspection: 03/29/2016

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Inspection findings

Inspection date

Type

  • Cooling Methods (repeated violation)
    Observation: Methods used for cooling pasta (covered) and chicken wings (wrapped tightly) can not be accomplished with the time and temperature criteria.
    Correction: Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under section 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled: (1) Placing food in shallow pans
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces/Nonabsorbent (repeated violation)
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surfaces of prep tables, shelving in small reach-in units and shelving in the walk-in cooler are not corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth. The wooden shelf above the refrigerated prep unit is no longer smooth, easily cleanable.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that requires frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment routinely exposed to splash or food debris are required to be constructed of nonabsorbent materials to facilitate cleaning. Equipment that is easily cleaned minimizes the presence of pathogenic organisms, moisture, and debris and deters the attraction of rodents and insects.
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed refrigeration units with broken handles and damaged door gaskets (not maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of materials for construction and repair and/or design).
    Correction: Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 [Materials for Construction and Repair] and 4-2 [Design and Construction]. Proper maintenance of equipment to manufacturer specifications helps ensure that it will continue to operate as designed. Failure to properly maintain equipment could lead to violations of the associated requirements of the Code that place the health of the consumer at risk. For example, refrigeration units in disrepair may no longer be capable of properly cooling or holding potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) foods at safe temperatures.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils/Clean (repeated violation)
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surfaces of the shelving in reach-in units and walk-in cooler shelving are not kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove soil from nonfood contact surfaces so that pathogenic microorganisms will not be allowed to accumulate and insects and rodents will not be attracted.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency (repeated violation)
    Observation: Surfaces of the soda gun (downstairs), drink fountain (upstairs), ice machine, ice bins and ice scoop holder are not clean.
    Correction: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under section 4-603.11, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed damaged ceiling tiles in the downstairs kitchen and damaged floor tiles throughout the establishment.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (repeated violation)
    Observation: The floors, walls and ceilings are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.
03/29/2016Routine
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed refrigeration equipment with broken handles and stove missing knob (not maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of materials for construction and repair and/or design).
    Correction: Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 [Materials for Construction and Repair] and 4-2 [Design and Construction]. Proper maintenance of equipment to manufacturer specifications helps ensure that it will continue to operate as designed. Failure to properly maintain equipment could lead to violations of the associated requirements of the Code that place the health of the consumer at risk. For example, refrigeration units in disrepair may no longer be capable of properly cooling or holding potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) foods at safe temperatures.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The food-contact surfaces of the potato slicer and utensils (plastic bin) stored as clean are not clean to sight and touch.
    Correction: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove organic matter from food-contact surfaces so that sanitization can occur.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency (repeated violation)
    Observation: Surfaces of the soda guns, ice machines, ice storage bins (server stations), ice scoop holster and tea urns and nozzles are not clean.
    Correction: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under section 4-603.11, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Equipment/Food-Contact/Before Use After Cleaning/Sanitized (corrected on site)
    Observation: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning. When tested, no sanitizer was being distributed in dishmachine. Technician arrived to repair during inspection.
    Correction: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be sanitized before use after cleaning. Sanitization is accomplished after the warewashing steps of cleaning and rinsing so that utensils and food-contact surfaces are sanitized before coming in contact with food and before use.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed damaged walls, missing cove tile and floors damaged in some areas
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (repeated violation)
    Observation: The physical facilities (floors, walls and ceilings) are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.
12/07/2015Follow-up
Due to a pattern of violations, the establishment will be issued A Notice of Violation. The NOV will be hand delivered to the establishment.
A follow up inspection will be conducted in 30 (thirty) days, on or after December 7, 2015.

  • Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: A food employee failed to wash his or her hands during food preparation when changing tasks. Corrected by instruction.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean, exposed portions of arms (B) After using the toilet room (C) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as specified in 2-403.11(B) (D) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking (E) After handling soiled equipment or utensils (F) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks (G) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (H) Before donning gloves for working with food and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.
  • Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: A food employee failed to wash his or her hands before donning gloves for working with food. Corrected by instruction.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean, exposed portions of arms (B) After using the toilet room (C) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as specified in 2-403.11(B) (D) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking (E) After handling soiled equipment or utensils (F) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks (G) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (H) Before donning gloves for working with food and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.
  • Food Storage/Preventing Contamination from the Premises
    Observation: Observed a heavily soiled shelf over uncovered pots of chili.
    Correction: Store food where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination and/or install an approved, durable and cleanable barrier between the splash source and the food to prevent contamination.
  • Food Storage/Preventing Contamination from the Premises
    Observation: Observed food stored on the floor in storage room.
    Correction: Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food: (1) In a clean, dry location
  • Raw Animal Foods (corrected on site)
    Observation: Raw animal foods not cooked to heat all parts of the food to a temperature and time to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. Manager stated that chicken wings are partially cooked then cooled for additional cooking when needed for service. Establishment must obtain prior approval from regulatory agency before partially cooking raw meats. Corrected by instruction.
    Correction: Raw animal foods such as eggs, fish, meat, poultry, and foods containing these raw animal foods, shall be cooked to heat all parts of the food to a temperature and time that complies with one of the following methods based on the food that is being cooked: (1) 63ºC (145º) or above for 15 seconds for: (a) Raw eggs that are broken and prepared in response to a consumer's order and for immediate service, and (b) Fish and meat including game animals commercially raised for food as specified under Subparagraph 3-201.17(A)(1) and game animals under a voluntary inspection program as specified under Subparagraph 3-201.17(a)(2)
  • Cooling, Cooked Food (corrected on site)
    Observation: Chili (52 F) and pasta (46 F) cooked yesterday was not cooled within 2 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 21ºC (70ºF)
    Correction: and/or within a total of 6 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Food was discarded.
  • Cooling Methods (repeated violation)
    Observation: Methods used for cooling pasta and chili can not be accomplished with the time and temperature criteria.
    Correction: Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under section 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled: (1) Placing food in shallow pans
  • Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed foods cold holding in the top portion of the two door prep unit next to fryers at improper temperatures (corn salsa 53 F, cheese 57 F and salsa 50 F). All time/temperature control for safety foods were discarded. Observed partially cooked potatoes (65 F) and chicken wings (52 F) on counter. Potatoes and chicken were returned to refrigerator.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if time/temperature control for safety food remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces/Nonabsorbent (repeated violation)
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surfaces of the rusted prep tables (bottom shelf) and cloths used under cutting boards are not corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that requires frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment routinely exposed to splash or food debris are required to be constructed of nonabsorbent materials to facilitate cleaning. Equipment that is easily cleaned minimizes the presence of pathogenic organisms, moisture, and debris and deters the attraction of rodents and insects.
  • Food-Contact Surfaces/Cleanability
    Observation: The food-contact surface of the plastic containers are not smooth, free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, similar imperfections, finished to have smooth welds and joints, and/or accessible for cleaning and inspection by an approved method.
    Correction: Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be: (1) Smooth
  • Ventilation Hood-Systems, Drip Prevention/Functionality
    Observation: Grease from the exhaust hood system at the cook line was observed dripping onto food contact surfaces below.
    Correction: Alter or replace the hood system to prevent grease or condensation from draining or dripping onto food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, and single-use articles.
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed refrigeration equipment with broken handles and stove missing knob (not maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of materials for construction and repair and/or design).
    Correction: Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 [Materials for Construction and Repair] and 4-2 [Design and Construction]. Proper maintenance of equipment to manufacturer specifications helps ensure that it will continue to operate as designed. Failure to properly maintain equipment could lead to violations of the associated requirements of the Code that place the health of the consumer at risk. For example, refrigeration units in disrepair may no longer be capable of properly cooling or holding potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) foods at safe temperatures.
  • Cutting Surfaces (repeated violation)
    Observation: The surfaces of the cutting boards on prep units are no longer effectively cleaned and sanitized.
    Correction: Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms transmissible through food may build up or accumulate. These microorganisms may be transferred to foods that are prepared on such surfaces.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils/Clean (repeated violation)
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surface of the equipment throughout the establishment is not kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove soil from nonfood contact surfaces so that pathogenic microorganisms will not be allowed to accumulate and insects and rodents will not be attracted.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (corrected on site)
    Observation: The food-contact surfaces of utensils and equipment stored as clean are not clean to sight and touch. Observed knives stored on heavily soiled knives magnet rack.
    Correction: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove organic matter from food-contact surfaces so that sanitization can occur.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency (repeated violation)
    Observation: Surfaces of the soda guns, ice machines, ice storage bins (server stations), ice scoop holster and tea urns and nozzles are not clean.
    Correction: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under section 4-603.11, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing station at the cookline is being used as a dump station. Observed heavy build up of grease in basin.
    Correction: The handwashing facility identified above is to be used for washing hands only.
  • Hand Drying Provision (corrected on site)
    Observation: Each handwashing sink is not provided with individual, disposable towels.
    Correction: Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with: (A) Individual, disposable towels
  • Intensity/Lighting (repeated violation)
    Observation: The light intensity is below 50 foot candles where a food employee is working with food.
    Correction: The light intensity shall be at least 540 lux (50 foot candles) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. Lighting levels are specified so that sufficient light is available to enable employees to perform certain functions such as reading labels
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed damaged walls, missing cove tile and floors damaged in some areas
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (repeated violation)
    Observation: The physical facilities (floors, walls and ceilings) are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.
  • Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed handwashing sinks, toilets and urinals are not clean and/or maintained.
    Correction: Plumbing fixtures such as handwashing sinks, toilets, and urinals shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and maintained and used as specified under section 5-205.11. Handwashing facilities are critical to food protection and must be maintained in operating order at all times so they will be used.
11/05/2015Routine
Employees are not properly washing their hands and arms. Observed employee washing hands (for less than 20 seconds) and then turning faucet off with bare hands. Paper towels must be used to tun off faucets in order not recontaminate their hands.
  • Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Food employees failed to wash their hands when changing tasks. Corrected by instruction.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean, exposed portions of arms (B) After using the toilet room (C) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as specified in 2-403.11(B) (D) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking (E) After handling soiled equipment or utensils (F) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks (G) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (H) Before donning gloves for working with food and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.
  • Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco/Food Contamination Prevention (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed an open beverage container not handled to prevent contamination of a food employee's hands, the container, exposed food, and/or clean equipment was observed.
    Correction: A food employee may drink from a closed beverage container if the container is handled to prevent contamination of: (1) The employee's hands
  • In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed scoop in standing water. Observed ice scoops stored in soiled water.
    Correction: During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: (A) In the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container
  • Food Display/Preventing Contamination by Consumers
    Observation: Food on buffet is not protected from contamination.
    Correction: Except for nuts in the shell and whole, raw fruits and vegetables that are intended for hulling, peeling, or washing by the consumer before consumption, food on display shall be protected from contamination by the use of packaging
  • Cooling Methods
    Observation: Methods used for cooling grilled chicken (covered tightly) and pasta (covered and in a deep container) can not be accomplished with the time and temperature criteria.
    Correction: Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under section 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled: (1) Placing food in shallow pans
  • Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding (corrected on site)
    Observation: Observed various foods in the two door reach-in refrigerator on the cookline cold holding at improper temperatures (wings 44-49 F, hot dogs 48 F, sausage 45 F and blanched potato fries 58 F). Observed foods cold holding in the top portion of the two door prep unit next to fryers at improper temperatures (corn salsa 53 F, cheese 67 F and salsa 50 F). All time/temperature control for safety foods were discarded.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if time/temperature control for safety food remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Nonfood-Contact Surfaces/Nonabsorbent
    Observation: Observed aluminum foil covering shelving on the cookline. Observed a towel and paper napkins used under cutting board to keep in place.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that requires frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment routinely exposed to splash or food debris are required to be constructed of nonabsorbent materials to facilitate cleaning. Equipment that is easily cleaned minimizes the presence of pathogenic organisms, moisture, and debris and deters the attraction of rodents and insects.
  • Temperature Measuring Devices
    Observation: Some of the refrigerators are not equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed temperature measuring device that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display.
    Correction: Cold or hot holding equipment used for potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) shall be designed to include and shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed temperature measuring device that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display. This section does not apply to equipment for which the placement of a temperature measuring device is not a practical means for measuring the ambient air surrounding the food because of the design, type, and use of the equipment, such as calrod units, heat lamps, cold plates, bainmaries, steamtables, insulated food transport containers, and salad bars. A permanent temperature measuring device is required in any unit storing potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food because of the potential growth of pathogenic microorganisms should the temperature of the unit exceed Code requirements. In order to facilitate routine monitoring of the unit, the device must be clearly visible.
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed refrigeration units with damaged door gaskets and handles (not maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of materials for construction and repair and/or design). Observed the shelving in the waitstation deteriorating and no longer easily cleanable.
    Correction: Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under Parts 4-1 [Materials for Construction and Repair] and 4-2 [Design and Construction]. Proper maintenance of equipment to manufacturer specifications helps ensure that it will continue to operate as designed. Failure to properly maintain equipment could lead to violations of the associated requirements of the Code that place the health of the consumer at risk. For example, refrigeration units in disrepair may no longer be capable of properly cooling or holding potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) foods at safe temperatures.
  • Cutting Surfaces
    Observation: The surfaces of the mobile cutting boards and the cutting boards on prep units are no longer effectively cleaned and sanitized.
    Correction: Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized, or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. Cutting surfaces such as cutting boards and blocks that become scratched and scored may be difficult to clean and sanitize. As a result, pathogenic microorganisms transmissible through food may build up or accumulate. These microorganisms may be transferred to foods that are prepared on such surfaces.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils/Clean (repeated violation)
    Observation: The nonfood-contact surfaces of the equipment throughout the food service areas are not kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove soil from nonfood contact surfaces so that pathogenic microorganisms will not be allowed to accumulate and insects and rodents will not be attracted.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency
    Observation: Surfaces of the soda guns and the inside of the ice machines and ice storage bins are not clean. Observed ice scoops stored in soiled water (holders soiled and standing water inside).
    Correction: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under section 4-603.11, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing sink located at the cookline is used for purposes other than handwashing. corrected by instruction.
    Correction: A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Sinks used for food preparation and warewashing can become sources of contamination if used as handwashing facilities by employees returning from the toilet or from duties which have contaminated their hands.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing (repeated violation)
    Observation: Observed damaged floor and base coving tile not maintained in good repair.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions
    Observation: Observed floors and walls under and behind equipment not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Cleaning of the physical facilities is an important measure in ensuring the protection and sanitary preparation of food. A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner.
  • Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures
    Observation: Handwashing sinks on the first floor and urinals in men's rest room on the second floor are not clean and/or maintained.
    Correction: Plumbing fixtures such as handwashing sinks, toilets, and urinals shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and maintained and used as specified under section 5-205.11. Handwashing facilities are critical to food protection and must be maintained in operating order at all times so they will be used.
06/02/2015Routine
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (corrected on site)
    Observation: The food contact surfaces of the cutting boards, ice machines, and soda gun nozzles are not clean to sight and touch.
    Correction: Clean food contact surfaces to sight and touch.
  • Critical: Equipment/Food-Contact/Before Use After Cleaning/Sanitized (corrected on site)
    Observation: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning in the kitchen dishmachine that was found out of sanitizer. A new bottle of sanitizer was hooked up to the unit.
    Correction: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be sanitized before use after cleaning. Sanitization is accomplished after the warewashing steps of cleaning and rinsing so that utensils and food-contact surfaces are sanitized before coming in contact with food and before use.
  • Handwashing Cleanser, Availability (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: A supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap is not provided at each handwashing sink (upstairs bar handsinks).
    Correction: Each handwashing sink or group of 2 adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. Hand cleanser must always be present to aid in reducing microorganisms and particulate matter found on hands.
  • Hand Drying Provision (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Each handwashing sink is not provided with individual, disposable towels
    Correction: a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel
11/20/2014Risk Factor
The prep unit and 1-door upright unit have been serviced and were cold holding below 41 F. Smaller containers are being used for the cold product on the buffet and they are being submerged in an ice bath. Ensure that product on buffet is protected and covered.
No violation noted during this evaluation.
07/28/2014Follow-up
The right-side cookline prep unit and the 1-door reach in unit need to be serviced to ensure proper cold holding temperature of 41 F or below. The hot food on the buffet must maintain a temperature of 135 F or higher and the cold food must maintain at 41 F or below. A recheck will be conducted for the units and the buffet.
  • Critical: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding (corrected on site)
    Observation: Liquid pasteurized eggs, cheese, and sour cream observed cold holding at improper temperature in the 1-door upright reach-in unit. Diced tomatoes and blue cheese in the right cook-line preparation unit observed cold holding at improper temperature (47 F - 50 F). Thermostats were adjusted in both units. TCS product relocated. Manager will have both units serviced. Butter, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream at the lunch buffet observed placed out on the table at room temperature (product was placed on ice by the person in charge).
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, time/temperature control for safety food shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if time/temperature control for safety food remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils/Time Temperature Control For Safety Food/Cleaning Frequency (corrected on site)
    Observation: Bar soda gun dispensing nozzles observed in need of cleaning.
    Correction: Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under section 4-603.11, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred
07/14/2014Risk Factor
  • Critical: Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site)
    Observation: A food employee failed to wash his or her hands before donning gloves for working with food.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean, exposed portions of arms (B) After using the toilet room (C) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as specified in 2-403.11(B) (D) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking (E) After handling soiled equipment or utensils (F) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks (G) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (H) Before donning gloves for working with food and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.
  • Equipment, Utensils, Linens, and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles/Storing
    Observation: Single-service and/or single-use articles are improperly stored. Boxes of single service items were stored on the floor in basement.
    Correction: Single-service and single-use articles shall be stored as specified under section (A) of this section and shall be kept in the original protective package or stored by using other means that afford protection until used. Clean equipment and multiuse utensils which have been cleaned and sanitized, laundered linens, and single-service and single-use articles can become contaminated before their intended use in a variety of ways such as through water leakage, pest infestation, or other insanitary condition.
  • Intensity/Lighting
    Observation: The light was burned out in the Superior 1 door uprt.
    Correction: The light intensity shall be at least 215 lux (20 foot candles): (1) At a surface where food is provided for consumer self-service such as buffets and salad bars or where fresh produce or packaged foods are sold or offered for consumption, (2) Inside equipment such as reach-in and under-counter refrigerators
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing
    Observation: Wall covering was missing next to hand sink by main floor ice maker.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
03/12/2014Routine
  • Critical: Equipment/Food-Contact/Before Use After Cleaning/Sanitized (corrected on site)
    Observation: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment were not sanitized after cleaning. Upstairs main bar chemical sanitizing machine observed not dispensing sanitizer. Glassware will be cleaned and sanitized at main ware washing machine.
    Correction: Utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment shall be sanitized before use after cleaning. Sanitization is accomplished after the warewashing steps of cleaning and rinsing so that utensils and food-contact surfaces are sanitized before coming in contact with food and before use.
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (repeated violation)
    Observation: A couple of the hand wash stations were observed being used as dump sinks.
    Correction: The handwashing facility identified above is to be used for washing hands only.
  • Hand Drying Provision (corrected on site)
    Observation: Each handwashing sink is not provided with individual, disposable towels
    Correction: a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel
11/21/2013Risk Factor
The bar warewashing machine is running on a continual cycle and was not being used during the inspection. All dishes will be cleaned in the warewashing machine downstairs.
  • Critical: Hands and Arms/When to Wash (corrected on site)
    Observation: A food employee failed to wash his or her hands before donning gloves for working with food.
    Correction: Instruct food employees to clean their hands and exposed portions of their arms immediately before engaging in food preparation including working with exposed food, clean equipment and utensils, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles (A) After touching bare human body parts other than clean, exposed portions of arms (B) After using the toilet room (C) After caring for or handling service animals or aquatic animals as specified in 2-403.11(B) (D) After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating, or drinking (E) After handling soiled equipment or utensils (F) During food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross contamination when changing tasks (G) When switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food (H) Before donning gloves for working with food and (I) After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.
  • Critical: Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco/Food Contamination Prevention (corrected on site)
    Observation: An employee was eating, drinking, and/or using tobacco in an area where contamination of exposed food or clean equipment may occur.
    Correction: An employee shall eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food
  • Critical: Potentially Hazardous Food, Cold Holding (corrected on site)
    Observation: Cheese(44-47ºF) and sliced tomatoes(43ºF) in the 2 door prep refrigerator cold holding at improper temperatures. The tomatoes and cheese were observed stacked above the fill rim.
    Correction: Except during preparation, cooking, or cooling, or when time is used as the public health control as specified under section 3-501.19, and except as specified under paragraph (B) of this section, Potentially Hazardous Food (Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food) shall be maintained at 5ºC (41ºF) or less. Bacterial growth and/or toxin production can occur if potentially hazardous food (time/temperature control for safety food) remains in the temperature "Danger Zone" of 5ºC to 57ºC (41ºF to 135ºF) too long. Up to a point, the rate of growth increases with an increase in temperature within this zone. Beyond the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for a particular organism, the rate of growth decreases. Operations requiring heating or cooling of food should be performed as rapidly as possible to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing sink located on the cookline is not maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. A grate was observed in the basin of the handsink.
    Correction: A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing and restricted for that use. Convenient accessibility of a handwashing facility encourages timely handwashing which provides a break in the chain of contamination from the hands of food employees to food or food-contact surfaces.
07/22/2013Risk Factor
1. Handle of upright refrigerators are still duct-taped.
2. The CFM told that the contractor is trying to find matching floor tiles for the kitchen and need more time to fix it. He said that it will be done by the end of March and will email/call me upon completion.
3. Always drink from covered cups.
4. Clean the downstair ice machine's moldy plate and filters of upstairs ice machine.
The facility has made good improvement, therefore, NOV is removed and establishment may return to normal business operations.

  • Critical: Food Contact with Equipment and Utensils/Preventing Contamination (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Food in contact with soiled equipment or utensils. An employee observed scooping ice with glass
    Correction: scoop handle burried in ice and other scoops laying in direct contact with other foods on prep refrigerator.
  • Critical: Sanitized/Hot Water and Chemical/Methods (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: After being cleaned, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils are not sanitized in a chemical manual or mechanical operations, using a proper solution. The tubings were not hooked to right chemicals.
    Correction: After being cleaned, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be sanitized in chemical manual or mechanical operations, including the application of sanitizing chemicals by immersion, manual swabbing, brushing, or pressure spraying methods, using a solution as specified under section 4-501.114 by providing: (1) An exposure time of at least 10 seconds for a chlorine solution specified under paragraph 4-501.114(A), (2) An exposure time of at least 7 seconds for a chlorine solution of 50 mg/L that has a pH of 10 or less and a temperature of at least 38°C (100°F) or a pH of 8 or less and a temperature of at least 24°C (75°F), (3) An exposure time of at least 30 seconds for other chemical sanitizing solutions, or (4) An exposure time used in relationship with a combination of temperature, concentration, and pH that, when evaluated for efficacy, yields sanitization as defined in Subparagraph 1-201.10(B). Efficacious sanitization depends on warewashing being conducted within certain parameters. Time is a parameter applicable to both chemical and hot water sanitization. The time hot water or chemicals contact utensils or food-contact surfaces must be sufficient to destroy pathogens that may remain on surfaces after cleaning. Other parameters, such as rinse pressure, temperature, and chemical concentration are used in combination with time to achieve sanitization.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing (repeated violation)
    Observation: Kitchen floor tiles, cracked, broken missing and not properly grouted. Standing water observed in the kitchen. Some cove tiles and baseboards are also missing.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Critical: Poisonous or Toxic Materials/Common Name/Working Containers (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials are not clearly and/or individually identified with the common name of the material.
    Correction: Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. It is common practice in food establishments to purchase many poisonous or toxic materials including cleaners and sanitizers in bulk containers. Working containers are frequently used to convey these materials to areas where they will be used, resulting in working containers being stored in different locations in the establishment. Identification of these containers with the common name of the material helps prevent the dangerous misuse of the contents.
03/12/2013Follow-up
  • Jewelry Prohibition
    Observation: Employees are wearing jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food.
    Correction: Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band, while preparing food, food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands.
  • Critical: Food Contact with Equipment and Utensils/Preventing Contamination (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: Food in contact with soiled equipment or utensils. A pitcher observed stored in the drinking ice (upstair). Employees observed scooping up ice with drinking soda glasses.
    Correction: Food shall only contact surfaces of: (A) Equipment and utensils that are cleaned as specified under Part 4-6 of this Code and sanitized as specified under Part 4-7 of this Code
  • In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage
    Observation: Food preparation and dispensing utensils are improperly stored. Ice scoops holders had water, gloves and other items in them.
    Correction: During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: (A) In the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container
  • Food Storage, Prohibited Areas
    Observation: Cases of beer and wine stored under sewer lines in the basement.
    Correction: Relocate food storage to an approved area or shield the sewer lines to intercept potential drips.
  • Manual Warewashing/Sink Compartment Requirements
    Observation: A sink with at least 3 compartments is not provided for manually washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment and utensils. Three (3)-compartment sink does not have drain stoppers.
    Correction: Except as specified in paragraph (C) of this section, a sink with at least 3 compartments shall be provided for manually washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment and utensils. The 3 compartment sink requirement allows for proper execution of the 3-step manual warewashing procedure. If properly used, the 3 compartments reduce the chance of contaminating the sanitizing water and therefore diluting the strength and efficacy of the chemical sanitizer that may be used. Alternative manual warewashing equipment, allowed under certain circumstances and conditions, must provide for accomplishment of the same 3 steps: 1. Application of cleaners and the removal of soil
  • Equipment/Good Repair and Proper Adjustment
    Observation: Cookline prep (standwing water inside) and upright refrigerators are not maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of materials for construction and repair and/or design. Gaskets are torn
    Correction: handles observed duct-taped.
  • Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils/Clean
    Observation: Interior and exterior of all the refrigerators and freezers is not clean.
    Correction: Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove soil from nonfood contact surfaces so that pathogenic microorganisms will not be allowed to accumulate and insects and rodents will not be attracted.
  • Critical: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (Critical) (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The food-contact surface of soiled tongs and knives is not clean to sight and touch.
    Correction: Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. The objective of cleaning focuses on the need to remove organic matter from food-contact surfaces so that sanitization can occur.
  • Critical: Sanitized/Hot Water and Chemical/Methods (corrected on site)
    Observation: After being cleaned, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils are not sanitized in a chemical manual or mechanical operations, using a proper solution. The dish machine is not ejecting any sanitizer.
    Correction: After being cleaned, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be sanitized in chemical manual or mechanical operations, including the application of sanitizing chemicals by immersion, manual swabbing, brushing, or pressure spraying methods, using a solution as specified under section 4-501.114 by providing: (1) An exposure time of at least 10 seconds for a chlorine solution specified under paragraph 4-501.114(A), (2) An exposure time of at least 7 seconds for a chlorine solution of 50 mg/L that has a pH of 10 or less and a temperature of at least 38°C (100°F) or a pH of 8 or less and a temperature of at least 24°C (75°F), (3) An exposure time of at least 30 seconds for other chemical sanitizing solutions, or (4) An exposure time used in relationship with a combination of temperature, concentration, and pH that, when evaluated for efficacy, yields sanitization as defined in Subparagraph 1-201.10(B). Efficacious sanitization depends on warewashing being conducted within certain parameters. Time is a parameter applicable to both chemical and hot water sanitization. The time hot water or chemicals contact utensils or food-contact surfaces must be sufficient to destroy pathogens that may remain on surfaces after cleaning. Other parameters, such as rinse pressure, temperature, and chemical concentration are used in combination with time to achieve sanitization.
  • Handwashing Sink/Using/Operation and Maintenance (corrected on site) (repeated violation)
    Observation: The handwashing sinks are being used as a dump station.
    Correction: The handwashing facility identified above is to be used for washing hands only.
  • Handwashing Cleanser, Availability
    Observation: A supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap is not provided at each handwashing sink.
    Correction: Each handwashing sink or group of 2 adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.
  • Hand Drying Provision
    Observation: Each handwashing sink is not provided with individual, disposable towels
    Correction: a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel
  • Handwashing Signage (repeated violation)
    Observation: A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands is not provided at all handwashing lavatories used by food employees and/or is not clearly visible to food employees.
    Correction: A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees. A sign or poster is required to remind food employees to wash their hands.
  • Physical Facilities/Repairing
    Observation: Kitchen floor tiles, cracked, broken missing and not properly grouted. Standing water observed in the kitchen. Some cove tiles and baseboards are also missing.
    Correction: Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Poor repair and maintenance compromises the functionality of the physical facilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained in order serve their intended purpose.
  • Critical: Poisonous or Toxic Materials/Common Name/Working Containers (repeated violation)
    Observation: Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials are not clearly and/or individually identified with the common name of the material.
    Correction: Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. It is common practice in food establishments to purchase many poisonous or toxic materials including cleaners and sanitizers in bulk containers. Working containers are frequently used to convey these materials to areas where they will be used, resulting in working containers being stored in different locations in the establishment. Identification of these containers with the common name of the material helps prevent the dangerous misuse of the contents.
02/08/2013Routine

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