A Restaurant Stress Reliever

By Frank Whitman

A weekend dinner at a nice restaurant is an effective antidote to the weekday routine. A delicious meal (service and clean-up included) and a change of environment is refreshing, relaxing, and restorative. But if you want to kick it up a notch – work out some stress, and get a mood lift – try breaking plates!

This Greek tradition is celebrated every Friday and Saturday at Mykonos Kouzina in Norwalk (Connecticut Magazine, A Best New Restaurant 2024).  We were puzzled when our server asked if we wanted to break plates.  What?  But around 8:30 the lights were turned down, traditional Greek music was cranked up and everyone was invited to join in.  Those in the know jumped up, got a stack of plates, and smashed them on the floor with the cry of “Opa!”  Joy and smiles all around. 

Soon enough the shy and reluctant, including our family, joined in.  The lightweight plaster plates made a satisfying crack as they landed intensifying the already festive mood. 

Plate smashing continued as the dancing began. Rhythmic lines formed, circling the dining room with hands held high.  (If you don’t know what I mean, just watch Anthony Quinn dance the sirtaki in Zorba the Greek.) Don’t be afraid to join in!

Plates are smashed every Friday and Saturday.  Be sure to come earlier to enjoy an excellent and authentic Greek dinner.  Then crash away!