STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Lee’s Tavern welcomed a special guest Friday morning — Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor posed for photos with co-owner Diego Palemine and ordered a clam pie, along with the Lee’s Special: sausage, sautéed onions, fresh tomato and mozzarella.

“They came in at 10 a.m.,” Diego said, noting the party of eight had originally planned to arrive an hour later. “He was really nice, easy to talk to, very down to earth. He was also very generous with a tip.”

DeSantis’ staff told Diego the governor was in town for press appearances and meetings. Diego laughed about the photo op: “Everyone said it wasn’t real. It wasn’t a cardboard cutout. I put my arm around him for the picture. It’s not every day you meet a governor.”

The visit shines a spotlight on Lee’s Tavern, one o

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