The Real Soup Nazi

Despite Michael Richards' meltdown at Hollywood's Laugh Factory, I'm still a diehard "Seinfeld" fan. The truth of the series' brilliance is in the reruns. In fact, that's how I judge all masterpieces in all their forms. Can I go back to it several times, finding something new to appreciate each time, or can I re-experience it with the same level of enjoyment as in the first viewing? For me, the "Seinfeld" series is a masterpiece and "The Soup Nazi" episode is the masterpiece episode.

"The Soup Nazi" is the nickname of a restaurant owner character that makes soups so good that the patrons line up around the block just to absorb his insults and ridiculously over-regimented customer rules in regard to queuing, ordering, and payment. And the character metes out swift punishment to those who fail to obey his rules. "No soup for you!"

And, yes, there is a real "Soup Nazi." His name is Al Yeganeh, and he hates being called "Soup Nazi." And, yes, Yeganeh's restaurant, Soup Kitchen International, is also real, and it's renowned for the excellent quality of the soups. In fact, he once threw Jerry Seinfeld out of his restaurant, claiming that the episode ruined his life.

While Al Yeganeh is eccentric, his soups, particularly the lobster and crab bisques, have earned him Zagat ratings higher than some of New York's best chefs.

Unfortunately for soup aficionados and Seinfeld fans, Yeganeh's original restaurant is closed. Its reopening date is still a mystery. Fortunately for Yeganeh, he's franchised his operations and has opened (as of this date) 34 "Original Soup Man" outlets. Also, his Original Soup Man soups are available as retail products currently sold in 2000 grocery stores. So, no one really thinks that Jerry Seinfeld actually ruined Al Yeganeh's life.

You can also buy his soups online at The Original Soup Man's online store, including Newman's favorite: "Jambalaya!"

Also, on the website are Yeganeh's official rules for customers. They are as follows:

For the most efficient and fastest service the line must be kept moving.

1. Pick the soup you want!

2. Have your money ready!

3. Move to the extreme left after ordering!

Understand that, despite his gruff exterior, Al Yeganeh has a charitable heart. He has created "Al Yeganeh's Feed the Hungry Foundation", a non-profit organization dedicated to helping "keep food on the table for those in need." Baseball great Reggie Jackson is Chairman of the Board.

SOURCES:

"The 'Soup Nazi' is havin' a bowl", Braden Keil, New York Post, URL: (http://www.nypost.com/seven/10302006/news/regionalnews/soup_nazi_is_havin_a_bowl_regionalnews_braden_keil.htm)

"Soup for you! And you!", Kathleen Kingsbury, Time, URL: (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/
article/0,9171,1179382,00.html)

"No soup for you!", Dwight Garner, Salon, URL: (http://www.salon.com/media/
1997/11/11media.html)

http://www.originalsoupman.com/history.aspx