The late, great, George Mardikian was restauranteur extraordinaire, philanthropist, and an inspiration to his family and employees. Hear from his nephew/son Haig Mardikian wine, Ohmar Khayyams, immigration and philanthropy.
George Mardikian represents all that is good as an American immigrant. He fled Turkey ahead of the Armenian genocide and made his way to San Franciso to start a new life. Fell in love with an American girl only to have her shunned by the family. He sets up shop on Powell St in San Francisco and becomes a legend of cuisine before America really recognized such acclaim.
We sat with his son to discuss the famed Mardikian Pinot Noir, the immigration of 10’s of thousands of Armenians to America, and life. It is probably the most emotional podcast I have hosted and guessing that monicker will stand for a whileGeorge Mardikian was an exceptional restaurateur, philanthropist, and an inspiration to his family and employees. He was also an immigrant who fled Turkey ahead of the Armenian genocide and made his way to San Francisco to start a new life. Despite facing challenges, such as having his American girlfriend shunned by his family, he set up shop on Powell St and became a legend of cuisine before America recognized such acclaim.
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