Complaint Review: Amantes Italian Cuisine Deerfield Beach

On Sunday December 7, 2014, we met friends from out of town at JB’s on the beach, we were a party of 5 people ages 50-57 years of age. Two of us reside in Deerfield Beach and 1 resides in Pompano Beach. One lady happens to be a NYC Police Officer visiting for the weekend. We had a drink at Jb’s and decided to go to for Italian food.

It was approximately 10:15 PM when were seated inside at the octagon table to left of the door just inside restaurant.  The outdoor seating area was busy. The bar inside had several patrons watching the football game. We were immediately approached by a women approximately 5’3 with dirty blond hair, she asked to see the therapy dog’s certificate. Mr. Frank produced the papers, she took the papers and walked away. She came back several minutes after and returned his certificates to him.

Meanwhile our waitress a thin girl 5’4 with dark brown hair in a ponytail, brown eyes with a strong accent and poor command of the English language, brought a wine list and menu. Mr. Lupudo asked the waitress for the daily specials, she seemed confused, mumbled something searched her check fold and then recited 3 specials. We thanked her. Mr. Lupudo ordered the Chianti numbered 401 specifically, we ordered two orders of caprese and one order of calamari. In addition, we ordered 2 veal chop specials and one broccoli rabe with sausage to share. When the entrees were placed down, another bottle of wine was ordered and served. When we were done eating the server took away the plates and Mr. Frank asked for coffee and dessert. The server was hesitant and said she would have to check on the coffee, because of the time. Then she returned with the espresso and a cannoli for the table.

 We were drinking and still eating when a short man chunky 5’2 in black uniform with black hair, told us to hurry it up, they were closing. We explained we were finishing our food. He condescending replied that they already let us in with the dog. Mr. Frank replied that the Lady Manageress had checked his papers and we were allowed to have the therapy dog. For some reason the little man decided to argue about the therapy dog, after the fact. We were just trying to finish our dinner. The server presented the check prior to our finishing our food and drinks, Mr. Frank presented his credit card for $218.78 payment. She returned for the signature and the little man insisted we leave at once. We could not understand why we could not graciously finish our food and drinks, we were almost finished. The little man ruined our dinner. We had enjoyed the dinner up to that point. We even asked why did they seat and serve us if they were going to hurry us out. The little man told us we had to leave or he would call the police. We could not understand, we just wanted to finish what was ordered and served to us. We would have selected another restaurant, rather than be rushed. At that point, a BSO Officer arrived, he was a tall man 6’2 in uniform, broad build, shaved head. When we tried to explain to the officer we have paid our tab and just wanted to finish, he told us in no uncertain terms that we must vacate the premises at once or he would taze us. The Officer physically took out his tazer and held it up and pointed it at our group. We are all in our fifties and scared. We stepped out to the curb to hail a cab. The officer followed and told us to move off the curb and he pointed to direct us across the street and he threated to taze us again.

We started to move and rather than wait for a cab started to walk, he shouted and threatened us again. We told him we were walking home instead of waiting for a cab. Mr. Frank, asked for his name, he yelled Marcelino. We believe that Officer Marcelino threatened to use excessive force for no good reason. Is this the image Deerfield Beach Police want to project? I am afraid to make a report because I fear Police retaliation.