The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is pleased to welcome Larry Thomas, the actor who portrayed the infamous Soup Nazi in the Seinfeld series. Thomas will be a celebrity guest for the 3rd annual Great Winter Soup Cook Off on February 20, 2016. His “No Soup For You!” bark became one of the most famous catchphrases of all times and earned him an Emmy nomination and a permanent place in pop culture. Thomas’s role in one of the most memorable episodes in the series became an overnight success. This all-time favorite spotlighted The Soup Nazi and the long lines of customers at his restaurant. In order to get to try his addicting soups, patrons had to play by his strict rules or he would yell out “No Soup for You” and throw them out of the store. Thomas will be available for autographs and his cook book and signed ladles will be available for purchase.

Wonderful aromas and good tastes will fill the Grand Hall at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center as over 40 chefs and cooks compete for awards in several different categories in the soul warming event to benefit the educational programs and enrich the lives of those in our community.. A panel of culinary experts will judge the soups in professional, amateur and youth categories. Amy Lynn from Daytime Tri Cities will be back once again as our hostess for the event. Special free mini cooking classes will be offered. Be sure to stop at our Cook-Off Café for tastes of local homemade baked goods, gourmet specialties, and wine and beverage samplers.