Vienna Restaurant Inspections: Several Eateries With 10+ Violations

VIENNA, VA — As Fairfax County Health Department continues to share restaurant inspection reports online, we are looking at the latest inspections in the Town of Vienna.

The health department's environmental health staff inspect over 5,200 restaurants and other retail food service establishments in Fairfax County and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax to ensure safe food handling practices are followed. This includes proper sanitation, food storage and preparation, and adequate kitchen facilities. Aside from restaurants, staff inspect child care centers, hospitals, school cafeterias, and temporary food service vendors at festivals.

Until summer 2022, food establishment inspection reports had been unavailable online since 2019 as the health department worked to launch a new online system. Residents can now search for a specific restaurant or browse a map of inspected locations through the online database.

The health department cautions residents that multiple inspection reports should be used to evaluate a restaurant rather than a single report.

This week's report focuses on July reports around the Town of Vienna. Several restaurants had 10 or more violations, including Sunflower Vegetarian, Bubble Mochi, Cafe Renaissance, Viet Aroma Asian Cuisine and Clarity. Clarity's inspection happened before a change of ownership and chef happened. Click on each link to see full reports for each restaurant.

Sunflower Vegetarian: 2531 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna, Va 22181

Last inspection: July 21

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: Gen Tso Soy chicken=45F, and other sou based foods at the refrigerated prep table on the cook-line.
• Working containers of poisonous and toxic materials are not properly labeled with a common name. Spray bottle of a green cleaning solution was not labeled to identify contents.
• Observed the handsink at the cook-line is being used for dumping, and storing utensils.
• The food-contact surfaces of the following equipment and/or utensils are not durable: cardboard liners, cloth towel, on shelving.
• The outdoor refuse area is not curbed or graded to properly drain. Standing water observed around the dumpster containers.
• Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints.
• Trash and litter were observed adjacent to the refuse container and bulk grease container outside the facility.
• Observed that the floor under cooking equipment and refrigerators on the cook-line is in need of cleaning. The floor at the hot water heater area and around the grease trap and under they 3-compartment sink is also in need of cleaning. The floor under the cooking equipment has excessive accumulation of grease and debris.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris: cooking equipment located under the hood system are coated with excess grease and debris deposits. The motor cabinet under the deep fryers at the hood system has excessive grease build-up. The exterior sides of the stove, thrills, woks are coated with grease build-up. The exterior surfaces of large food containers such as soy sauce buckets, and rice container with a yellow cover/lid, are in need of cleaning.
• Outside refuse container was uncovered. The dumpster outside is not closed after use as required.

The Italian Gourmet: 505 Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 21

Violations:

• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: Italian sausages, meat lasagna, etc.
• The nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth: sliding doors of the food display case are in disrepair.
• Clean equipment/utensils were found stored at the restroom. Aluminum containers were observed stored on shelving in the restroom.
• Observed that the toilet room was not conveniently accessible to employees during all hours of operation. The restroom is being used to store several supplies/materials blocking the entrance for easy access.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: sliced tomatoes, macaroni & cheese, etc.
• Unwrapped or uncovered food in the following location where the food is subject to contamination: tray of Italian sausages found uncovered in n the walk-in refrigerator.

Social Burger: 350 Maple Ave, Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 13

Violations:

• An air gap between the water supply outlet and the flood rim level is not observed. The sanitizer dispenser sink hose at the 3-compartment sink extends below the water level eliminating the air gap.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: veggie burger Pattie’s were held at improper temperatures of 44F-45F, after 72 hours holding in the walk-in refrigerator.
• Observed the hand sink at the kit Chen being used to store utensils.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling:Food (black beans) temperature 95F, placed in deep containers and sealed tight to cool to 41F or less.
• Open drinking containers used or stored in a manner that may contaminate food, food contact surfaces or utensils. An opened beverage cup without a lid was stored next to the refrigerated prep table in the kitchen.
• A food employee was observed drinking in areas where they may contaminate food, clean equipment, utensils or other items needing protection. An employee was observed ed drinking beverage ion the cook-line.
• Observed that the hood filters above the deep fryers, and the ceiling vents in the kitchen are in need of cleaning. These surfaces are dusty.

Papa John's Pizza: 112 Lawyers Rd., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection:

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device:meatballs=43F,cheese=43, steak=43, sausage=43, Italian sausage=42 & 43, grilled chicken = 42 & 43, diced tomatoes=43, pizza sauce=46.
• Observed that the door to the office is broken, very loose, completely detached and posses injury hazard. This door is not maintained in good repair.
• Plumbing connections under the hand washing sink located near thee 3-compartment sink piping are leaking.

Bubble Mochi: 155 B Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 7

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: whole milk=45F, half & half =46F.
• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: bubble tea mixes and toppings.
• Working containers of poisonous and toxic materials are not properly labeled with a common name. Observed unmarked spray bottles without labels to identify contents.
• There is no Certified Food Manager present at the beginning of the inspection.
• The handwashing facility located at the front serving station and in the cooking area were blocked, preventing access by employees for easy hand washing. The hand washing sink in the kitchen was used as a table and the one in the front serving station was blocked with a large. Trash container.
• Carry out food containers were observed stored unprotected on shelves in the dry storage area of the kitchen.
• Maintenance tools are not being stored in a way that prevents the contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service items. Brooms found stored next to food and hood system.
• There is no cover to the feminine napkin refuse container in the ladies room stall.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: A large number of clear plastic containers with food items such as flour and confectionary sugary, that are hard to identify were observed without labels.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: A small ice scoop was noted placed on ice in the ice bin, with the Handle in contact with the ice.
• The cavity of the microwave oven is observed soiled.
• Observed that the flour drain under the 3-compartment sink is in need of cleaning.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.

Marjan Carryout and Catering: 155 A Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 11

Violations:

• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: A variety of foods.
• Toilet room door is not provided with a self-closing door. The self-closing device is missing.
• The following packaged food item(s) are not properly labeled: cucumber yogurt, saffron rice pudding.
• Unwrapped or uncovered food in the following location where the food is subject to contamination: Several containers of foods in the reach-in and walk-in refrigerators were observed to be uncovered during storage.

Sweet Leaf Cafe: 262 Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 25

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: Alfa=52F.
• The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: the interior of the ice cream serving chest freezer.
• Observed the handsink at the front serving area is being used for dumping.
• There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chlorine sanitizing solutions at the dish washing machine.
• Employees observed wearing jewelry on their arms and hands while preparing food.
• Unwrapped plastic knives were not stored with the handles up.

Cafe Renaissance: 163 Glyndon St., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 17

Violations:

• Raw animal food storage, preparation, holding or display conducted in a manner that may cause cross contamination of ready-to-eat food as follows: observed raw fish, raw meat, and other seafoods stored above macaroni and other cooked foods , in refrigeration units.
• When tested, the low temperature, chemical sanitizing warewashing machine was observed with a sanitizing rinse concentration of less than 50 ppm chlorine solution. Observed concentration was noted to be zero ppm.
• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: pasta, sauces, macaroni, etc.
• The following equipment/utensils were observed soiled to sight and touch: interior surfaces of refrigerators on the cook-line.
• Employees observed working in the food service area without proper hair restraints. Food employee was not wearing a hat or other approved hair restraint.
• Unwrapped or uncovered food in the following location where the food is subject to contamination: uncovered food containers were noted in the refrigerators.
• The cavity, of the microwave oven is observed soiled.
• Clean equipment/utensils (knives) were found stored between the refrigerator and the steam table.
• The interior and exterior surfaces of the mechanical warewashing machine are soiled with (food debris, limescale) that may decrease the effectiveness of the unit.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: flour, cornstarch.
• Observed that the wall in the dry storage room is not maintained in good repair.
• Observed that the floor under cooking equipment on the cook-line, under steam table and other standard equipment on the cook-line is in need of cleaning. Build-up debris and grease were noted in these areas.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment were observed soiled with an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and/or other debris: stove tops,exterior sides of stoves, rims of reach-in refrigerators, rubber gaskets of reach-in refrigerators.

Viet Aroma Asian Cuisine: 165 Glyndon St., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 6

Violations:

• Medicines observed non-food supplies in the cooking area. (Ibuprofen, cough syrups stored on food prep table).
• The following food item(s) were observed hot holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: chicken broth =109F, and vegetable broth=109F.
• The following refrigerated, ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparation and was not observed to be date marked: A variety of sauces.
• The nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment had accumulations of grime and debris: Exterior surfaces of the deep fryers, stove, ovens and other cooking equipment. The exterior. Surfaces of several food containers were noted to be soiled and in need of cleaning.
• Observed that the floor under cooking equipment and other standard equipment in the kitchen has accumulated grease and debris, in is in need of cleaning.
• Openings to the exterior of the building are present along the base of the back door to the kitchen.
• The exterior surfaces of the dish washing machine including the piping beneath the machine were observed to be in need of cleaning. The exterior surfaces of the 3-compartment sink was also observed top be in need of cleaning.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: salt, sugar, a variety of spices.
• Observed that inadequate lighting was provided in the consumer self-service areas, reach-in refrigerators, handwashing areas, warewashing areas, equipment andstorage areas, and/or toilet rooms. The light bulbs in the fixture that is located on the ceiling above the 3-compartment sink have burned out.
• Refuse noted near the grease containers located at the back of this establishment, causing an attractant to pests.
• The nonfood-contact surface of the following equipment is not corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and/or smooth: Aluminum foil liner of shelving, in the kitchen.
• One of the waste storage containers /dumpsters has a broken lid. One of the grease containers located at the back of this food establishment has a missing or broken lid.
• Maintenance tools are not being stored in a way that prevents the contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service items. Brooms stored against the 3-compartment sink.

Sweet Ginger Restaurant: 120 Branch Rd., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 18

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: salmon=45, lobster=45, yellowtail=44F, ginger dressing =43.
• The refuse container used to store refuse/recyclables has no drain plug. Hymenoptera drain plug is missing on the dumpster.
• Observed that inadequate lighting was provided in the ware washing areas, and dry food supply storage areas at the back room.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the counter.
• Observed that protective covering on the fluorescent light fixture on the ceiling above the dish washing machine is missing.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop: 416 Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 7

Violations:

• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device: shredded lettuce (5containers): 49F, 51F, 52F, 51F, 52F.
• Wet wiping cloths used for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces were observed stored on the slicing machine.
• The waste storage container for recycling has broken lids.
• The following refrigeration unit is not operating properly and is unable to maintain cold food at or below 41F: True 1-door refrigerators. Also, the sneeze guardon the ice cream freezer is broken and needs to be repaired or be replaced.
• Observed that the floor and floor drain under the soda machine are in need of cleaning.
• Outside refuse container was uncovered. The dumpsters outside were observed opened.

Clarity: 442 Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 13

Violations:

• Observed the following ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food being held for more than the specified time/temperature allowed: Celery rootpurée, mustard seeds, oyster mush, sweet potato purée, cooked carrot purée, cooked cauliflower purée, cooked yucca, cooked rhubarb.
• The following raw and/or undercooked foods are provided on the menu, but they were not identified with the responding symbol on the statement: Buck wild organic beef burger.
• Working containers of poisonous and toxic materials are not properly labeled with a common name. Unmarked spray bottles were observed not properly labeled to identify contents.
• The following food items that are not easily identified by appearance were observed without a label: Flour containers.
• Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor. Boxes of food stored on floor in the dry storage room upstairs.
• There is no cover to the feminine napkin refuse container in the ladies room stall. The containers in stalls were not covered as required.
• The following utensil was observed in a state of repair and condition preventing effective maintenance and cleaning/sanitization: Four rubber spatulas that were located at the 3-compartment sink station.
• Observed that clean carry out food containers boxes were stored in an manner that exposed the item(s) to contamination. The boxes of these carry out containerswere placed on the floor in the dry storage room.
• Observed that the carpeting in the dry storage room is in need of cleaning.
• Dispensing and/or in-use utensils improperly stored between use as follows: knives and other utensils were found stored in-between a refrigerator and and preptable in the cooking area.

The Mixx Delight: 448 Maple Ave., Vienna, Va 22180

Last inspection: July 19

Violations:

• The following cooked time/temperature control for safety food(s) are not being adequately cooled from 135F to 70F within two hours and to 41F within a total of six hours. bang bang sauce, and Brisket Bulgogi.
• The following food item(s) were observed cold holding at improper temperatures using a calibrated food temperature measuring device:Bang bang sauce=43F, Brisket Bulgogi =43F.
• Observed that poisonous and toxic materials are not properly stored to prevent the contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens or single service items.Observed cleaning chemical bottles stored next to food no single service utensils in the serving area and in the kitchen.
• Observed that paper towels were not provided at each handwashing sink.
• Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food that is prepared on site is not used or discarded within 24 hours of preparationand was not observed to be date marked.
• The following methods used for cooling were not adequate to facilitate proper cooling: Food placed in deep containers and sealed tight during cooling.