ROOTS HANDMADE PIZZA.
1922-1924 W CHICAGO AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
18 of 25 inspections passed, 6 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 12 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAY 282025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
Employees personal items stored on food shelves, instructed to separate.
APR 222024FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED VACUUM-PACKAGED CHEESE CURDS ON SITE WITH NO APPROVED HACCP PLAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ACQUIRE APPROVED VARIANCE AND HACCP PLAN. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 7 POUNDS OF CHEESE CURDS ($20), AND PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO APPROVED VARIANCE PROGRAM ON THE PREMISES FOR VACUUM PACKAGING TCS FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AN APPROVED VARIANCE BEFORE VACUUM PACKAGING TCS FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29.
OBSERVED MORE THAN 40 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING THE BASEMENT, THE KITCHEN, AND THE BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR MEASURING SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF UTENSILS. MANAGER PROVIDED TEST STRIPS FOR MEASURING WATER TEMPERATURE ONLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING ABOVE PIZZA OVEN. CEILING APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR CEILING.
SEP 142023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE UPSTAIRS BACK DOOR LEADING TO THE DUMPSTER AREA. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS STAINED WITH OPEN SEAMS AT THE COOK LINE. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
OBSERVED SPILLED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER AND IN BETWEEN COOKING AND FRYING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS FOR CEILING LIGHTS IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
FEB 242022PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE UPSTAIRS DOOR LEADING TO THE HOMESTED/OFFICE AREA. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN
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DEC 22020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED PROPERLY, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 182020PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOOD ( CHICKEN, BEEF...) INSTRUCTED TO DATE ALL TCS FOOD HELD FOR MORE THAN 24HRS.
BULK FOOD CONTAINER ( FLOUR ) NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 82019FAILED7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED GRILLED CHICKEN ON CONTAINER STORED ON SHELVING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH INTERNAL TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 69.8F TO 70.3F. PERSON IN CHARGE IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD APPROXIMATELY 6LBS OF FOOD VALUE OF $6.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF IMPROPER PEST CONTROL ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS AND CEILING IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED ALL GARBAGE CONTAINERS OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LID FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. ALSO OBSERVED GARBAGE AND TRASH ON GROUND SURROUNDING CONTAINERS. THIS IS A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST. MUST MAINTAIN GARBAGE AREA CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B)
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAINED. ALSO OBSERVED HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH HAND WASHING SINKS IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREP AREA AND REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 132018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MUST CLEAN PREP TABLES, COUNTER TOP AND SHELVING INSIDE THE PREP COOLERS AND INSIDE BASEMENT WALK IN BEER COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT PREP AREA,DISH WASHING ROOM, INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREA TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
WALLS NEED CLEANING BEHIND THE PREP TABLE TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER.
MAR 22017PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE HANDLED ICE SCOOP LYING IN THE ICE WITH THE HANDLE FACING DOWN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP EITHER IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER OR IN THE ICE WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP IN BETWEEN USE.
MUST DEFROST THE SALAD LINE COOLER TO REMOVE FROST BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR WALLS OF COOLER.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE LOWER COMPARMTENT FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP.
EXCESS FOOD DEBRIS IN THE CORNERS AND ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP COVERING THE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 272017FAILED7 violationsDETAILS
HANDWASHING FACILITIES IN THE CUSTOMER WASHROOM UNABLE TO PROVIDE HOT WATER: THE FAMILY BATHROOM IN BETWEEN THE MEN'S AND WOMAN'S WASHROOM WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE HOT WATER(MINIMUM 85F) AT TIME OF INSPECTION. THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM NEXT TO THE FAMILY RESTROOM WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE HOT/COLD WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. THERE MUST BE TEMPERED OR HOT AND COLD WATER FOR HANDWASHING AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
OBSERVED THE HANDLED ICE SCOOP LYING IN THE ICE WITH THE HANDLE FACING DOWN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP EITHER IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER OR IN THE ICE WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP IN BETWEEN USE.
MUST DEFROST THE SALAD LINE COOLER TO REMOVE FROST BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR WALLS OF COOLER.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE LOWER COMPARMTENT FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP.
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
EXCESS FOOD DEBRIS IN THE CORNERS AND ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP COVERING THE LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS AND MAINTAIN.
APR 292016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
HAND DRYING DEVICE BY THE STALL IN WOMEN'S WASH ROOM NOT WORKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.ANOTHER HAND DRYING DEVICE PROVIDED AT SAME LOCATION
EXCESS WATER ON FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS,KITCHEN PREP/DISH ROOM ETC. MUST KEEP FLOOR DRY.
APR 272016FAILED9 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND COOKED PULLED PORK STORED INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 44.6F TO 45.3F,PRODUCTS WAS COOKED ON 4-26-16 PER MANAGER STATEMENT.COLD PRODUCT MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW.COOLER UNIT MAINTAIN AIR TEMP OF 38.7F. FOOD WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 5 VALUE 20 CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
FOUND HIGH TEMP DISH MACHINE WITH FINAL RINSE AT TEMP OF 150F NOT 180F HAS REQUIRED BY CITY CODE. TECHNICIAN WAS CALLED ON PREMISES HOWEVER NOT ABLE TO REPAIR CAUSE,SUGGESTED TO CONTACT A PLUMBER TO CHECK BOOSTER UNIT. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE.INSTRUCTED TO USE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS TO:WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
FOUND DUMP SINK BEHIND THE BAR WITH DIRTY WATER IN IT,EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND THE BAR AND EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA NOT ABLE TO DRAIN. FOUND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT NORTH AREA OF THE BAR WASTE WATER BACKING UP,AT THIRD COMPARTMENT WHEN FAUCET IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR CAUSES. INSTRUCTED TO USE OTHER AVAILABLE AND IN WORKING CONDITION SINKS IN PREP AND BAR AREA. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
OUTSIDE GREASE AREA NOT MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE ON EDGE OF BACK OF THE WASTE OIL CONTAINER.SPILLED WASTE OIL ON GROUND UNDER AND AROUND CONTAINER AND BY THE REAR DOOR. SPLATTERED OIL ON WALL BEHIND THE UNIT IN QUESTION.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WASTE OIL CONTAINER,GROUND AND WALL. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
SCOOP USED FOR DRY INGREDIENT MUST HAVE AN HANDLE TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS AND OVENS. REMOVE SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE HAND DRYING DEVICE BY THE STALL IN WOMEN'S WASH ROOM NOT WORKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.USE THE OTHER UNIT WHICH IS IN WORKING CONDITION NO DRAIN LINE PROVIDED/ATTACHED AT SOME OF THE POP GUN HOLDER BEHIND BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND DRAINING INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS.
BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE BUILD-UP AT POP GUNS BEHIND BAR AREA,NEED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN
EXCESS WATER ON FLOOR UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS,KITCHEN PREP/DISH ROOM ETC. MUST KEEP FLOOR DRY.
NO VENTILATION PROVIDED INSIDE THE STAFF WASHROOM IN BASEMENT AREA.NEED TO PROVIDE VENTILATION AT SAID AREA. MOST OF THE HAND SINKS,THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS.AND DUMP SINKS WATER PIPES LEAKING,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL THE DRAIN PIPES.
NO STEM THERMOMETER PROVIDED ON PREMISES AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO BE ABLE TO CHECK FOOD TEMPERATURE
JUN 122015PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED SOME BULK FOOD/SEASONING NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD.
OBSERVED KNIVES STORED IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD UTENSILS.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
OBSERVED CALCIUM BUILDUP BEHIND NOZZLES AT SODA MACHINE LOCATED IN BACK FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WHOLE AREA OF THE SODA MACHINE. ALSO OBSERVED MINOR CALCIUM BUILDUP IN THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID ICE MACHINE.
OBSERVED SOME LIGHT SHIELDS NEED REPLACEMENT IN FOOD PREP AREA ABOVE FOOD PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE SAID LIGHT SHIELDS.
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT BY EMPLOYEE AREA AS WELL AS CLUTTER IN THE HALLWAY GOING TOWARDS THE RECEIVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM SAID AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
JUN 52015FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DUE TO LOAD LIMITS. PRODUCT STACKED OVER REFRIDGERATION LEVEL. OBSERVED: PEPPERONI (5LBS AT $45.00) AT 50.7F , PANCETTA (1LB AT $6.95) AT 49.3F, CANADIAN BACON (3 LBS AT $25.00)AT 50.3F, AND RICOTTA CHEESE (3LBS AT $28.22) AT 48.9F. MANAGER VOLUNTERRINGLY DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL OF SAID PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AND HOLD ALL COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AND ALL HOT FOODS AT 140F AND ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
OBSERVED AN OVERFLOW OF ALL DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INCREASE DUMPSTERS FOR PROPER GARBAGE DISPOSAL. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
OBSERVED SOME BULK FOOD/SEASONING NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD.
OBSERVED KNIVES STORED IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND WALL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD UTENSILS.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
OBSERVED CALCIUM BUILDUP BEHIND NOZZLES AT SODA MACHINE LOCATED IN BACK FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WHOLE AREA OF THE SODA MACHINE. ALSO OBSERVED MINOR CALCIUM BUILDUP IN THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID ICE MACHINE.
OBSERVED SOME LIGHT SHIELDS NEED REPLACEMENT IN FOOD PREP AREA ABOVE FOOD PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE SAID LIGHT SHIELDS.
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN BASEMENT BY EMPLOYEE AREA AS WELL AS CLUTTER IN THE HALLWAY GOING TOWARDS THE RECEIVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CLUTTER FROM SAID AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
NOV 132014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
REMOVE MILK CRATES AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING IN PREP AREA, WALK-IN COOLER, FREEZER AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.
CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE AND BAR AREAS.
CLEAN DRAIN AND REPAIR NORTH SINK IN BAR (SLOW DRAINING). REPAIR WEST SINK IN PREP AREA.
ELEVATE STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AREA, WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
JAN 32014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR IN DISHWASHING AREA AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY AT ALL TIMES.
ADDITIONAL WATER PESSURE NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK I KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
JUL 162013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
Light covers in prep area not cleaned. Insstructed to detail clean.
Stock stored on floor in basement storage rooms. Instructed to elevate 6 inches or higher and away from wall.
Ice scoop not properly stored. Instructed to store in sanitize holder or container.
AUG 162012PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
DETAIL CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN AREAS AND REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE SAME AREA.
MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM THE PREMISES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.REMAINING ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED 6" OFF FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING.
AUG 62012FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE DISHWASH AREA AND THE BAR AREA. APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT IN THESE AREAS.DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS.ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
MUST PROPERLY STORE,INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS,DISHWARE IN KITCHEN AREAS.
DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS,SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER,EXTERIOR SURFACES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT AND EXTERIORS OF DISHMACHINE.
DETAIL CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE KITCHEN AREAS AND REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE SAME AREA.
DETAIL CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS ANOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS AND REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN THE DINING AREAS.
MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM THE PREMISES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.REMAINING ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED 6" OFF FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING.
DEC 72011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST DETAIL CLEAN COOKING EQUIPMENT, TOPS, SIDES AND INTERIOR CABINETS OF FRYERS, MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREP AREA
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINKS IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE PRESSURE
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →