Al Yeganeh, the "Original Soupman" famous for his delicious soup and persnickety customer rules, is returning to the tiny West 55th Street storefront from which his empire sprang. Yeganeh closed the shop in order to pursue franchising opportunities, which didn't do so hot. His location down on Pearl Street was seized by the tax man, and at least eight of the company’s locations nationwide failed within the first two years of the launch of the national company. Maybe customers were disappointed by the lack of Yeganeh's hospitable charm? Anyway, he held onto the lease at his original location at 259A West 55th Street, and he'll be back July 20th! To celebrate, here's a YouTube video featuring the best of Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" moments. more ›

Blimpies, Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, and Starbucks. All these chains have popped up in Greenpoint along Manhattan Avenue since last year. Today, Manhattan Ave. gets an Original Soup Man (aka the Soup Nazi). Gothamist stopped in to sample the wares and went with a bowl of the lobster bisque. We didn't even have to ask for bread, as the franchises seem to give you bread and a choice of fruit for free (sorry, George Costanza). On the downside, the soup was salty and expensive at $9.95 +tax. While pricing like that might fly in midtown Manhattan, it seemed somewhat outrageous for Greenpoint. more ›

After much speculation on Gridskipper and Eater, Shopsin's, the infamously cult-like diner in Greenwich Village, has definitely closed for good. NYC Nosh got an email from Kenny Shopsin:

Yes we are closed for good. You should read this sentence with emphasis on the last word. My family and I have a strong sense that there is an art to staying small, and humble. Our departure is a happy event meant to continue the success we have shared with you and our other friends. See you at Essex. Ken

-- From Tenement.org, a cool map of NYC Projects. more ›

Kenny Kramer, Entrepreneur / Wacky Next-Door Neighbor more ›

He sold disco jewelry, managed a reggae band, lived across the hall from Larry David and this weekend, as the rest of us boarded busses bound for sea and sand, he celebrated his 500th bus tour. more ›

Move over, Soup Nazi Ali "Al" Yeganeh, there's a new perfectionist who doles out stern ministrations to guests, Masa Takayama. Takayama, who has just opened the city's most expensive sushi restaurant, Masa, and smaller bar, Bar Masa, at the Time Warner Center, is profiled by Alex Witchel and it seems Takayama's "my way or the highway" approach to food is just what sniveling foodies in New York need. Takayama describes some of the early interest in Masa: more ›