I always figured that, someday, a chef at Benihana would kill someone throwing a knife around or lighting something on fire. I never considered the lethal consequences of flying shrimp.

"Jerry Colaitis' bizarre death at age 47 came 10 months after he injured his neck on a family outing to the Munsey Park outlet of the famed Japanese steakhouse chain, noted for entertaining chefs who grill tableside.
"'The chef who was assigned to their table starts tossing food,' said lawyer Andre Ferenzo, who represents Colaitis' widow, Jacqueline.
"'He tosses a piece of shrimp, and it hits one of the children. They tell him to stop, he doesn't. He does it a second time, and it strikes the brother-in-law.'
"Fearing for their safety, Ferenzo said, Colaitis ... and his family asked the chef to stop throwing shrimp because it was hot.
"The chef smiled, then tossed a third piece at Colaitis, who hurt his neck trying to avoid the flying crustacean, Ferenzo said.
"That was in January 2001. By June, doctors were telling Colaitis he needed surgery to repair an injured vertebra or face possible paralysis. After two operations, he was admitted to the hospital again on Nov. 20. Two days later, Colaitis ... was dead from a blood infection, respiratory failure and renal failure."
Benihana's lawyer says Colaitis hurt himself trying to catch the shrimp in his mouth.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and avoid flying food this holiday.