Each year when we visit San Francisco, we eat at this restaurant because it is close to our hotel and the food has always been reliable. I have often recommended it to colleagues and clients, and have never had any problems. This year was so different, the only word I can think of to describe the experience is ""surreal."" The owner ruined what had been a very nice evening by targeting our table for his lame card tricks. He then threw down multiple $100 bills and demanded that one of my friends explain how he did the trick and take the money or go home with him to ""meet his cat."" We laughed along politely even though it became an awkward situation - he kept pressing her to ""accept the offer"" to the point that she was uncomfortable. Later, he returned to the table for ""one last trick"" and did the old hide the coin under a glass. When he asked me how he did it, I smiled and said I didn't know. He then leaned in and menacingly said ""Get a f***ing LIFE!"" and stormed away. My friends and I sat there aghast, not understanding what just happened. He returned and I told him it was completely unacceptable for him to talk to us in that manner, and that he should apologize because we were spending hundreds of dollars on our meal there. He said, ""Don't bring up the money"" and walked away, not to be heard from again. I have to say, this is the strangest experience I've ever had in a restaurant, and I eat out frequently. His staff was visibly embarrassed by his behavior. It's unfortunate he's the owner so there's really no one to complain to - but I can certainly warn others. Spend your hard-earned money somewhere else where you're treated well and you leave feeling satisfied. I won't be going back here and I'm making sure to tell everyone I know that supporting this restaurant is supporting this guy's ridiculous behavior. It's certainly not Italian hospitality in the least. The food is straightforward and good, but not at this price...
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