Marilyn Manson does the Continental

The randomness of this city:

Goth-rocker Marilyn Manson and Stoya, the University of the Arts-schooled adult-film star with whom he's been linked for several months, spent three hours-plus Tuesday night at The Continental, Stephen Starr's flagship eatery in Old City.

It's not clear why Manson was in town, as his performance at the Susquehanna Bank Center is not till Aug. 7. (He's playing Scranton Wednesday night.)

The dinner -- lobster mashed potatoes, hummus and pita, Thai chicken lettuce wraps, ahi tuna tartare, grilled Thai chicken skewers, and many shots of Patron -- was not romantic and actually had business overtones.

Manson, 40, was quite cheery as he and Stoya, 23, left the restaurant, slowly walking and playfully wagging a fork, which he later tossed toward (but not at) journalists.

"Toward but not at" is an important distinction, in light of Manson's fatwa posted Sunday on his MySpace page. He's calling out journalists who make "absurd accusations" and "cavalier statements" about himself and his band, saying they'd be murdered in their homes. "I dare you all to write one more thing that you won't say to my face."

See video at TMZ.com.