Ashburn Restaurant Inspections: El Estribo, Silver Diner

ASHBURN, VA — Several facilities in the Ashburn area recorded violations during health department inspections between Jan. 18 and Jan. 24.

Most COVID-19 restrictions around the state have relaxed, so health inspectors are returning to conduct some restaurant inspections in person. However, some visits, such as those for training purposes, can be conducted virtually.

Violations at restaurants 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.

Here are the most recent restaurant inspections in the Ashburn area, according to the Loudoun County Health Department.

• China Village, 32 Pidgeon Hill Dr Sterling, VA 20165
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 3
    • Raw chicken was observed stored over ready to eat (RTE) tofu in the low boy cooler on the line, and raw chicken was observed stored over raw pork in the walk-in refrigerator. Foods shall be protected from cross contamination by separating raw foods from RTE foods to protect from spillage, and by arranging raw proteins from lowest internal cook temperature to highest. Person in charge (PIC) moved the tofu to be stored over the raw chicken, and the raw pork to be stored over the raw chicken. Corrected.
    • Cooked chicken (45F), Tempura Chicken (45) and Chicken wings (43F) were found in the low boy cooler on the line at improper temperatures. Time/temperature control (TCS) foods that are ready to eat (RTE) must be maintained at 41F or less. PIC turned down the temperature of the cooler to compensate for repeated opening. EHS advised to monitor this temperature for the next 24 hours.
    • Raw shell eggs observed stored directly on the floor of the walk-in cooler. Foods shall be protected from sources of contamination by storing them at least 6" off the floor. PIC immediately put a riser in place so that eggs were no longer on the floor. Corrected.
• Sweetwater Tavern, 45980 Waterview Plaza Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • The handsink in the cooled walkin prep area is blocked by a box of lettuce.
    • Uncovered food in walkin cooler.
• Mi Hacienda Restaurant & Sports Bar, 21430 Cedar Dr #122 Sterling, VA 20165
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 5
    • A container of soup/stew was observed in the reach-in cooler at 77F. Per person in charge (PIC) the soup/stew had been made the night before. Foods must be cooled from 135F to 70F within 2 hours, and from 70F to 41F or less within 4 hours, with the entire process not to exceed 6 hours. The PIC voluntarily discarded the soup/stew.
    • Several foods in the reach-in cooler were observed with no date marking. Salsa, soup/stew and sauce had no date marking. Time/Temperature control for safety (TCS) foods that are ready to eat (RTE) that are kept longer than 24 hours must be marked with the date that the food item was opened/prepared or with a discard date not to exceed 7 days from the date that the item was opened/prepared. Date mark these items.
    • A consumer advisory is not on the menu. A consumer advisory is needed for the Ceviche and Oysters on the menu, and any other protein that is served under cooked or raw. Consumer advisories are warnings to consumers of the increased risk of food borne illness. Provide a consumer advisory on the menu, and indicate which food items it concerns.
    • Two frozen containers of liquid/soup was observed thawing on the counter at room temperature. When thawing, foods must be kept under refrigeration at 41F or less, or submerged under running water that is 70F or less. PIC placed the containers into the reach-in cooler to properly thaw.
    • No testing strips to monitor the concentration of sanitizer for the low temperature dish machine is available. A testing device or strip to monitor the concentration of sanitizers used must be provided. EHS gave the PIC testing strips for this purpose until the facility is able to order their own. Keep these strips available at all times.
• Samurai Sushi Restaurant, 43150 Broadlands Center Plaza #162 Ashburn, VA 20148
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • The handwashing facility not readily accessible for employees to wash hands in that hand sink located at the rear food prep area is blocked, preventing access by employees for easy handwashing.
    • Ventilation hood observed with heavy accumulation of dust.
• Tamarind Indian Cuisine, 46300 Potomac Run Plaza #120 Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed raw shrimp over stored over ready to eat shrimp in cooler. Observed raw eggs stored over salmon in walkin. Prevent potential cross contamination by not storing raw animal foods over ready to eat foods. Observed several food items stored uncovered in cooler. Prevent potential cross contamination by not storing raw animal foods over ready to eat foods.
    • Knives are stored dirty on clean magnetic rack. Knife stored in between equipment in dirty location where it cannot be cleaned.
    • Goat and chicken cooked yesterday around 8pm and placed in walkin. Both noted as improperly cooled to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Goat was made at 8pm and has been cooling for 16 hours currently 60F. Chicken was made at 8:30pm the prior ay and currently 60F. Cool time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food(s) from 135F to 41F within a total of 6 hours and from 135F to 70F within 2 hours.
    • Observed chicken tandoor cold holding at improper temperature (57F). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41F or below to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Observed time/temperature control for safety foods (TCS) not properly dated for disposition. Foods not labeled include: ALL food in cooler and walkin cooler. Ready to eat TCS foods held over 24 hours must be date marked with either made on date or date the food item must be consumed not to exceed 7 days.
• Wing Stop #709, 21430 Cedar Dr #108 Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • Copies of the Employee Health Reporting Policy are onsite, but only one is filled out and signed by an employee. A written policy that verifies that all employees have been trained in the signs and symptoms of food borne illness and how to properly report them must be available for review upon request. All employees on shift during the inspection read & signed this document. Keep on site for review.
    • No hand towels for drying hands was observed at the hand sink located to the left of the three basin sink. Hand drying provisions must be readily accessible and available at all hand sinks that are utilized by food employees. Person in charge (PIC) refilled the hand towel dispenser. Corrected.
• Domino's Pizza #4383, 22330 S. Sterling Blvd Ste A112 Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 18
  • Total violations: 2
    • Kitchen manager could not locate proper documentation of an employee health policy showing kitchen staff are properly trained to report symptoms of illnesses transmittable through food. Manager must document staff training.
    • This food establishment has not established procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility.
• Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels, 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 3
    • Handwashing facility observed being used for other purposes than to only wash hands in that the handwashing facility at the front food prep area observed with used to wash and fill up the sanitizer bucket.
    • In-use utensils improperly stored between use in that ice scoop observed stored in ice that is used for consumption with handles touching the ice.
    • Facility does not have test strip to measure the concentration of the sanitizer in that the sanitizer test strip provided at the facility has already changed color.
• Chick-Fil-A / Peet's Coffee, 1 Saarinen Circle Terminal B Sterling, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 1
    • The hand sink in the ware washing area of Peets coffee was observed blocked with mops and brooms and not easily accessible by employees. All hand sinks shall not be blocked and they should be easily accessible for use at all times.
• Starbucks Coffee C-24, 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 2
    • Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41°F or below in that a container of whole milk registered at 62°F on front coffee prep counter. The person in charge (PIC) was unable to determine how long said container of milk had been placed at said location.
    • Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41°F or below in that several wraps, sandwiches and milk registered between 45°F-50°F in the one door reach in refrigeration unit. As per the PIC food employees were stocking said unit and had the unit door wide open for a while. Also said unit observed tightly packed.
• EL Estribo, 56 Pidgeon Hill Drive Sterling, VA 20165
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 6
    • Items (2 steel bowls) were observed stored within the hand sink across from the prep table in the back kitchen, obstructing use of the hand sink. Hand sinks must not be obstructed and available for use at all times. Hand washing sinks are to be used for no other purpose. Items were removed from the basin and moved to the three basin sink to be washed.
    • No method to dry hands was available at the hand washing sink directly across from the prep table in the back kitchen area. Provisions to dry hands must be available and accessible at all times at hand washing sinks that are utilized by food employees. Person in charge (PIC) refilled the paper towel dispenser. Corrected.
    • No date marking of food items was observed during the inspection. When keeping Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods that are ready-to-eat (RTE) longer than 24 hours, they shall be marked with a date that the food item was opened/prepared, or a discard date not to exceed 7 days from the date that the food item was opened/prepared. PIC had employee date mark items.
    • Several spray bottles containing different liquid cleaning agents were found with no identifying label. When toxic materials (cleaning materials) are taken from bulk supplies, the common name of the material must be labeled on the working container. Label all spray bottles with the common name of their contents.
    • Raw shrimp was observed thawing in stagnant water at the prep sink. When thawing TCS foods, thawing must take place under refrigeration, or completely submerged in running water that is 70F or less. Employee removed shrimp from stagnant water.
    • A ladle was observed stored in-between uses in a container of stagnant water at room temperature. When storing in-use utensils between their uses, they must be stored on a clean, dry surface, in water that is 135F or more, or in continuously running water with enough velocity to wash away food particles. Ladle and container were moved to the dish area to be washed. Ladle may be stored in a clean, dry container during uses.
• Kindercare Learning Center, 106 Free Court Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 19
  • Total violations: 2
    • PIC/ Kitchen staff do not have an approved certified food manager certification.
    • Facility does not have a method to test the internal heat of the Jackson Dishstar HT.
• Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning, 42660 McCauley Pl Ashburn, VA 20148
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 1
    • Employee in charge could not locate proper documentation of an employee health policy showing kitchen staff are properly trained to report symptoms of illnesses transmittable through food. Manager must document staff training.
• La Fe Bakery & Deli, 95 Sugarland Run Dr Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 5
    • No hand soap was available in either of the bathrooms. Hand cleanser must be available at all hand washing sinks utilized by employees at all times. Person in charge (PIC) provided soap to both bathrooms during the inspection. Corrected.
    • EHS observed food contact surfaces being washed and rinsed with no sanitizing step during the inspection. EHS also observed stored items (food contact surfaces/equipment/utensils) with visible debris on them. Food contact surfaces must be sanitized before use, after washing/rinsing to eliminate harmful bacterial growth. Employee set up sanitizing station. Correct sanitizing concentration was observed. EHS instructed stored items to be rewashed.
    • Cooked black beans (45F) and cooked pork filling (44) were found stored in the low boy cooler on the cook line at improper temperatures. Time/Temperature control for safety (TCS) foods that are ready-to-eat (RTE) must be maintained at 41F or less. PIC voluntarily discarded the cooked beans and cooked pork filling. Corrected.
    • Plumbing at the three basin sink has waste water that is overflowing onto the floor and down the floor drain without going through the grease trap (possible blockage). Plumbing must be maintained in good repair so that no waste water is flowing onto the floor and is flowing freely in and out of the grease trap. Repair plumbing.
    • Holes in the dry wall that expose internal walls have not been repaired and are still present. Repair all cracks/holes openings in walls.
• South Block, 20327 Exchange St Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 1
    • Person in charge (PIC) could not locate proper documentation of an employee health policy showing kitchen staff are properly trained to report symptoms of illnesses transmittable through food.
• Rupa Vira's The Signature, 21760 Beaumeade Circle Ste 120 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 2
    • Containers of Sambal observed on the kitchen floor cooling. Food containers should be stored at least 6 inches off the ground.
    • In use utensils by the hot holding unit observed stored in the bucket of water. Utensils shouldn't be stored in water unless it's at 135 degrees.
• Burger 21, 43800 Central Station Dr #100 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 1
    • The nonfood-contact surfaces of the Ice machine were observed soiled with an accumulation of black residue. All equipment should be cleaned regularly.
• &Pizza, 20552 Easthampton Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 20
  • Total violations: 2
    • The food establishment does not have written procedures for cleaning up vomiting or diarrheal events that happen in the facility.
    • Two trays of fresh mozzarella cheese registered at 45°F in top section of low boy refrigerator. The units registered operating at 41°F. Said fresh mozzarella cheese were placed in shallow trays therefore not holding temperature at of below 41°F.
• PHO Royal, 46839 Maple Leaf Pl Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 3
    • Observed two bags of spring rolls thawing under the counter at ambient.
    • Observed Rice Scoops stored in cup of ambient temperature water.
    • Observed Ice Machine’s Guard inside machine not clean and has black residue.
• Ashby Ponds- Maple Grove Continuing Care, 21160 Maple Branch Terr Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 5
    • Observed to soap at hand sink by 3-compartment sink. Soap should be available for employees at all times.
    • Observed employees having no access to paper towels at hand sink by 3-compartment sink, kitchen area, and second floor. Paper towels should be available for employees at all times.
    • Observed slicer blade with a build up of dirt and debris. Food contact surfaces should be clean to sight and touch.
    • Observed improper cold holding temperature of milk 45F kept in ice bath during service and then placed into refrigerator after service foods held cold should be maintained at 41F or below.
    • Observed 3 containers of egg salad 46F and 3 containers of tomatoes/mozzarella salad 46F in 1 door reach in cooler with lids on and tightly covered possible not allowing to cool properly move to walk in cooler.
• Red Robin, 21045 Dulles Town Circle Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 4
    • Kitchen manager could not locate proper documentation of two of the employee health policy showing kitchen staff are properly trained to report symptoms of illnesses transmittable through food. Manager must document staff training.
    • Observed fried onion hot holding under the lamp at improper temperature (F). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be hot held at 135F or above to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Observed drawer cooler under the prep cooler, and also the drawer cooler below grill cold holding at improper temperature (F). Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be held at 41F or below to prevent growth of harmful bacteria.
    • Employees observed cooking and serving food without having a proper hair/beard restraint. Use proper hair restraint to avoid contacting exposed food.
• Benihana, 21089 Dulles Town Circle Dulles, VA 20166
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 1
    • Facility doesn't have a maximum irreversible thermometer for the high temp dish machine to check the temperature at the rack level.
• La Petite Academy, 46839 Maple Leaf Place, Unit 116 Sterling, VA 20164
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 23
  • Total violations: 2
    • Bleach sanitizer used in the spray bottles tested to be above 200 ppm and exceeding recommendation. When asked to prepare a sanitizer sample for the 3 VAT Sink, the concentration produced was below 10ppm.
    • Observed Bleach Concentration of spray bottle to be over 200ppm and 3 vat sink to be under 10ppm.
• Silver Diner Ashburn, LLC, 20530 Heron Overlook Plaza Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 24
  • Total violations: 6
    • Employees are not informed in a verifiable manner of their responsibility to report diseases that are transmissible through food. A food employee shall be informed in writing of their responsibility to report illnesses and symptoms related to foodborne disease to their employer to reduce the risk of transmission.
    • No paper towels observed at bar hand sink for drying hands after washing.
    • No sign instructing employees to wash hands located at bar hand sink.
    • No soap for washing hands observed at bar area hand sink.
    • Observed ROP (reduced oxygen packaged) cod and salmon improperly thawing. Both cod and salmon observed sealed in package bearing labels indicating fish shall be removed from packaging prior to thawing.
    • Observed clean dish machine racks stored directly on floor in dish room. Clean equipment shall be stored in protective manner, elevated at least 6" off floor.
• Famous Toastery, 43780 Central Station Dr #150 Ashburn, VA 20147
  
  • Date inspected: Jan. 24
  • Total violations: 7
    • Employee observed using her phone while having gloves on and proceeded to cooking right after. Employees must wash hands and change gloves in between tasks.
    • Employee observed not sanitizing the utensils at the three-compartment sink. All kitchen utensils should be washed, rinsed and sanitized after use.
    • Multiple Time/temperature control food items by the prep cooler cold holding food at improper temperature. TCS food should be cold held at 41 degrees or below.
    • Pico on the line observed without having proper label or the written procedure for the time control. All time control food items should be properly labeled with the time they were made and only kept for 4 hrs.
    • In use utensils were stored in the 96 degrees water. Water temperature for the utensils to be stored in should be135 degrees.
    • Cleaned dishes observed being stacked on top of each other without allowing to be air dried. Allow the utensils to air dry before storing them on top of each other.
    • Ice machine observed with accumulation of black residue. Non food contact surfaces should be cleaned frequently.

The following facilities did not record any violations:

• KFC
• Hunan Village
• Carnegie NY Style Pizza Rolls Bowls
• Everbrook Academy
• Countryside Children's Academy
• Teds Bulletin
• Local Provisions
• Pomodoro's Pizza,Pasta & More
• Potomac Falls Health & Rehab Center
• Subway