For all the craziness surrounding the Quran burning by the Dove World Outreach Center, this is my favorite reaction: A Baltimore restaurateur is offering a half-off special to diners who bring a holy book to dinner.
As noted on The Baltimore Sun's Dining@Large blog, Riccardo Bosio (pictured at left) of Sotto Sopra is making the offer "in the name of religious reconciliation." Diners who bring their own holy book on Sept. 11 will get discounted entrees. He said in an email: "The table is a sacred place, where people of diversity can share and discuss beliefs, their daily joys, disappointments and dreams. ... Come to the table, start a discussion, bring family, friends - lets all break bread together and celebrate our freedoms."
If you live in some distant town -- like Gainesville, Fla., the home of the Rev. Terry Jones' Holy Bonfire -- you're out of luck. But if you're near Baltimore, this is a great deal at a great restaurant. I dined there recently with my wife and some friends during restaurant week, and it was a big hit (except for that one-hour wait).A plate of Bistecca di Manzo Alla Griglia Con Burro Aromatizzato sure beats toasted Qurans.