The owner, Paul M. Lines, of the Pasadena Jazz institute proceeded to greet people. He walked over to our table, and started to ask us a question, in the middle of his sentence, he turns to the door and starts yelling at an individual entering the place. Caught off guard and confused, as we thought he was trying to be friendly, the owner leaves in mid conversation. The man seemed intoxicated or on some type of chemical substance. \r
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We proceeded to order drinks and food. Finally, after waiting to receive our food, a salad was delivered to our table. The salad was thrown together (like the leaves had just been picked from a dirty garden) without any dressing or ingredients. Next, the fried macaroni and cheese came, COLD! The menu prices were far too outrageous and expensive for unprepared food! People go out to get pampered and served with respect.\r
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Our group did not want to cause problems, so we told the waitress to please remove the items from the bill. She pouted, lowered her lip and said, “Oh, I am sorry!” That’s it! She didn’t say no problem, offer any alternatives or get a manager. \r
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Assuming the owner would be approachable, I went up to Lines to let him know what was going on. Awkwardly, he took me around the corner to a back room. I, being a female felt extremely uncomfortable. He started to talk about the art, slurring his words. I began to explain, “Our salad did not have any dressing, and our food was cold. We don’t want to cause trouble, but can you please…” \r
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Before I could even finish my sentence, THE OWNER STARTED TO YELL AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS! “How much did you pay for these tickets? Go take it up with the waitress.” Startled, I said, “but you are the owner!” Next, he took off his glasses and threw them on the floor and his water bottle across the room. Lines yelled really loud this time, “GET THE F--- OUT OF MY RESTAURANT! WHO CARES ABOUT THE FOOD.” \r
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I HAVE NEVER BEEN TALKED TO LIKE THAT IN MY ENTIRE LIFE BEFORE! He looked like he was going to hurt me! Not only did he try to make a move, but he went from 0-60 in under one minute. I was shaking, angry and WAS NOT GOING TO GIVE A DIME TO THIS MAN’S INSTITUTION. I cannot believe he works with children! \r
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Finally, the manager, waitress, and bouncer came up to us apologizing. They replied, “We are sorry, this happens all the time”. WHAT? I asked, “You mean he has done this before?” The employees made it a point to let us know he is an ALCOHOLIC! \r
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Wow, I could not believe it! PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION OR RESTAURANT. You may be a victim of verbal abuse, or even get seriously hurt. The band, The Nolan Shaheed Quintet was great, but please, please do not support the Pasadena Jazz Institute!\r
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Pros: Music
Cons: Food and Owner!
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