On Friday, 3 November 2023, with the help of Western Province Caterers, we treated our residents to a Greek Dinner Evening.
Greek food is special due to the high-quality ingredients, the careful preparation process, and the culture of sharing dishes. It’s an enjoyable way to connect with others over one of life’s greatest pleasures.
There is a beautiful Greek saying “Boukia kai syghorio“. “One bite and all is forgiven.” So delicious that you ask for forgiveness for every bite you have… So delicious I think I’ve died and gone to heaven…
The food was delicious, the setting was perfect, and the company – even better!
When Greek people are gathered, plates are purposely smashed to the floor in celebration. It is usually accompanied by music and the word “Opa!”. Most people will be startled, but the breaking of the plates is intentional and not an accident.
According to Wikipedia, the custom probably derives from an ancient practice of ritually “killing” plates on mourning occasions, as a means of dealing with loss. Breaking plates may also be related to the ancient practice of conspicuous consumption, a display of one’s wealth, as plates or glasses are thrown into a fireplace following a banquet instead of being washed and reused.
When the patron wanted to feast more, he would ask for a dozen plates, which the waiter had to bring and either break on the dance floor in front of the singer, or leave them on the patron’s table for him to carry out by throwing them into the track either all together, or one – one. The breaking was done with special art. The waiter holds a plate in his right hand, with which he hammers away the rest of the heaped dishes, like a chisel, and holds them in his left hand. One after another the plates crumble and fall to the floor, while in the end the one on the right remains, and he throws it down. During the scene the waiter is kneeling on one leg.
As you can see, our residents had to master the art of plate smashing but eventually got the hang of it.
The Lord Somerset Clubhouse is a stylish, spacious, social hub of The Somerset with contemporary design touches.
