Happy celebrations took place at the Empire Diner. Gus and Denis, co-owners, watched it all on the TV, over the counter. This year 2004 has been a great year for the Greeks.

First, Greece became soccer champions of all Europe. They won the European Cup. That is the United States' equivalent of winning the World Series, the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup in one year.

Next, they were the generous and warm hosts of the Olympic Games. Athens was chosen by the Olympic committee with a hint of doubt in their minds. Greece is a small country with almost no natural resources. The Greek people are their greatest resource!

Not only the Olympic committee but the entire world media kept announcing that they would not complete the arenas and fields in time for the games. Threats of terrorism were also brought up constantly by the press. How could the Greek government ensure the safety of the athletes?

Well, the pessimism was not well founded.

The stadia were completed is time and they were magnificent. The architecture was truly unique. The fields and gymnasiums were first class and the games went on smoothly. (The scoring officials made a few boo-boos but you can't blame the Greeks for that.)

As for the terrorism predictions, thank the authorities for no incidents during the Olympiad.

It was particularly fitting that Gus Mihalatos was missing from the Empire Diner during the games. "Where is Gus?" I asked Eileen, the English waitress. When Gus greets you at the door and says, "Enjoy" you know you are among friends. Why was Gus missing?

Gus was in Greece, his birthplace, to watch the games. The Olympiad was founded in Greece thousands of years ago. The 26-plus-mile New York City Marathon originated as a race between Greek cities (Athens to Marathon).

Gus saw almost all the games. Everything was Para Poli Kala (Greek for "perfect"). The Greek athletes performed admirably. Sixteen medals for a small country is outstanding. Gus stayed with his family in Athens. It was a combination heartfelt return to his home country and a vacation. He says, "I am extremely happy because it was my lifelong dream to see the Olympics in Greece."

As all my avid readers remember I wrote a column on May 3, 2002 called "Everyone Loves the Empire Diner." The framed column can be seen on the wall as you enter. It was written after huge renovations were completed. It remains a fact today. The Empire Diner still serves hearty, delicious food in a warm and happy atmosphere.

It is truly a "Little Bit of Greece In Hicksville."