San Francisco Shows Heart

Next time you're in San Francisco and are looking to eat Italian food in North Beach, I have a recommendation: The Mona Lisa on Columbus Street.

Last night, there were a couple of Marines walking the strip getting a few catcalls (which I noticed always came from the other side of the street), when they walked up to the Mona Lisa. The owner was standing outside and, naturally, saw their uniforms; his eyes got all big and in classic Italian fashion started hugging them and told them, "Hey boys, you eat here on the house tonight." The eight Marines that were walking together got a $25 meal on the house.

So, this is what is meant by "salt of the earth."