lying for a living

“Hemingway haunt gives discount to ‘poor Americans’”

ROME (Reuters) - Harry’s Bar, the famed Venice watering hole where Ernest Hemingway held court over hearty food and stiff martinis, is offering a discount to “poor” Americans suffering from a weak dollar and subprime blues.

The owner has posted a sign outside, promising Americans “a special 20 percent discount on all items of the menu during the short term of their recovery.”

This doesn’t help writers, then. The discount is only on food, not drinks.

And drinking is what Harry’s Bar is designed for. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Venice, and — of course — stopped by Papa’s legendary hangout. Harry’s is near the spot where the Grand Canal empties into the Lido di Venezia. The view is glittering and timeless. But inside, the bar reminded me of the cabin of a boat, with dark wood and tiny windows. The design focuses your attention on either (1) the bar, or (2) the shadows lurking in one’s soul — which in turn sends your attention to (3) the bar. I don’t drink whiskey, but I ordered a shot, emptied my wallet, and toasted the big man. Then the Husband and I got out of there and took the kids out for pizza.