Serj Tankian: A Culinary Farewell

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Serj Tankian Eats His Last Meal

Mythical Kitchen

Oct 8, 2024

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Entertainment

Serj's Last Meal

  1. Serj Tankian, a musician and activist, discusses his last meal, highlighting the universal experiences of eating and mortality.
  2. He is known for his unique pizza topping combination, including pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, olives, and chives, which humorously influenced perceptions of common pizza toppings.
  3. Tankian owns Kavat Café in Eagle Rock, located near one of LA's oldest pizzerias, and considers a potential collaboration with Casa Bianca.
  4. Food has played a significant role in Tankian's life, though his awareness of its importance developed later.
  5. His dietary journey includes being vegetarian for ten years, pescatarian for another ten to fifteen years, and recently returning to eating meat.
  6. Tankian describes the liberating experience of being able to choose from a full menu after reintroducing meat into his diet.

Filming With Anthony Bourdain

  1. Serj Tankian recounts an experience with Anthony Bourdain, highlighting Bourdain's unique personality and influence. Tankian, a member of the band System of a Down, was encouraged by his wife to contact Bourdain about visiting Armenia, a country Bourdain had not yet explored.
  2. In 2016, Tankian reached out to Bourdain through a mutual contact, humorously doubting he would receive a response. Surprisingly, Bourdain replied within ten minutes, expressing interest in visiting Armenia and coordinating the trip with his producers.
  3. During the trip, Bourdain asked Tankian a profound question about his identity, given his diverse background of being born in Lebanon, raised in Los Angeles, and living part-time in New Zealand. This question highlighted the complexity of Tankian's Armenian identity.
  4. The journey through Armenia was significant, with Bourdain showing deep understanding of geopolitics and the Armenian genocide. His approach to food was not just about culinary experiences but also about the cultural and historical contexts behind them.
  5. Tankian admired Bourdain's ability to use food as a gateway to discuss larger issues, such as politics and history. Bourdain's legacy in food storytelling is profound, and many in the field feel they are continuing his work, living in his influential shadow.

1st Course

  1. The first course of Serj's final meal is çiğ köfte, also known as kibbeh nayyeh in some cultures, which is popular in the region. It consists of chopped raw beef mixed with bulgur wheat, spices, and herbs, served with lavash bread and pita.
  2. Serj shares a personal connection to the dish, recalling how his mother used to make it every Saturday during his childhood in Lebanon. It was a special treat for the family, particularly enjoyed by his father.
  3. Although the dish is being served in an Armenian style, Serj clarifies that it is actually a Lebanese dish, highlighting the cultural crossover in cuisine.
  4. The dish is prepared in a style reminiscent of his mother's cooking, described humorously as 'meat grenades,' which brings back fond memories for Serj.
  5. Upon tasting, Serj confirms that the dish tastes like his mother's version, offering compliments to the chef for capturing the nostalgic flavor.

Not A Fan Of Borders

  1. The speaker observes that many dishes across the Middle East, the Levant, and North Africa are very similar, suggesting a shared cultural heritage that transcends modern national borders.
  2. The speaker notes that country borders often do not reflect the actual cultures within them, as these borders were typically established after major wars, based on conquest or defense rather than cultural divisions.
  3. Borders are described as human constructs, not universal or natural, as evidenced by the fact that animals and trees do not recognize them.
  4. The speaker expresses a general disapproval of borders, viewing them as unnecessary unless they serve the purpose of protection against invasion or harm.

The Armenian Genocide & Generational Legacy

  1. The text discusses the precarious geopolitical position of Armenia, bordered by Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which have historically antagonistic relationships with Armenia. This context is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by Armenians today.
  2. The narrative is centered around the Armenian genocide, a historical atrocity that has deeply affected the Armenian community. The genocide involved the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
  3. The author pays tribute to his grandfather, Stepan, who survived a death march to the Syrian desert, a harrowing experience that exemplifies the suffering endured by many Armenians during the genocide.
  4. The author reflects on a promise made to his grandfather to spread awareness about the genocide, highlighting a personal sense of duty to honor the memory of those who suffered.
  5. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own identity through the lens of ancestral experiences. The author connects his actions and identity to the experiences of his grandfather and mother, illustrating how generational trauma and resilience shape personal and cultural identity.

Luck & Calamity

  1. The text references Holocaust survivor Primo Levi, who suggested that survival often comes down to luck, rather than any specific commonalities among survivors.
  2. The concept of luck as a determinant in avoiding calamities is explored, with examples like missing a flight due to a gut feeling or being late, raising questions about whether these are instances of luck or intuition.
  3. The randomness of the universe is acknowledged, and the idea that both good and bad luck can significantly impact one's life is considered a frightening thought.
  4. The text discusses the notion that having a clear vision of one's purpose can align the universe to help achieve it, whereas a lack of awareness can lead to a more random and haphazard life.

Activist First, Rockstar Second

  1. Serj Tankian discusses his identity as an activist first and a rock star second, highlighting the tension within System of a Down, where other members prioritize being rock stars over activism.
  2. He expresses no regret over this dynamic, feeling grateful for his life experiences and believing that everything happens for a reason.
  3. The tension between music and activism within the band is seen as beneficial, as it adds depth and complexity to their music.
  4. Tankian suggests that a band where all members agree on everything might produce less interesting music, implying that creative tension is essential.
  5. He questions whether society is currently experiencing a peak in superficiality, hinting at a broader cultural critique.

Bad Presidents Make For Good Music

  1. The history of rock and roll is deeply intertwined with protests and activism, with significant movements during the Vietnam War era and the punk explosion during Reagan's presidency.
  2. Bands like System of a Down and Rage Against The Machine emerged during the Bush era, known for their politically charged music.
  3. The phrase 'bad presidents make for good music' suggests that political turmoil often inspires powerful rock music.
  4. Exposure to radical politics through music can lead to personal awakenings, as illustrated by the narrator's experience with System of a Down's lyrics.
  5. The narrator reflects on how hearing politically charged lyrics on the radio sparked a realization about social and political issues, particularly relating to war and poverty.

Pros & Cons Of The Streaming Era

  1. The text discusses the impact of the streaming era on music, particularly heavy music, which is often linked to activism and protest. It suggests that the traditional means of music discovery, such as radio and record stores, are being lost in the streaming world.
  2. Curation, the process of selecting and organizing music, is highlighted as a diminishing art due to streaming. The personal touch of discovering new music through conversations with knowledgeable fans in record stores is becoming rare.
  3. The text mentions the niche nature of streaming, which allows for more specialized music tastes but lacks the broad exposure that traditional media provided. This shift is seen as a loss for mainstream exposure of heavy bands.
  4. The example of System of a Down, a heavy band that once played on mainstream platforms like SNL, is used to illustrate how such opportunities are now rare. The band's experience with being banned from SNL is mentioned as a factor that might have affected other heavy bands' chances.
  5. The text concludes with a reflection on the artist's experience of performing under different conditions, emphasizing authenticity in artistic expression despite changes in the environment.

Snipers At The Concert

  1. Serj Tankian, a member of System of a Down, discusses the risks associated with his activism, particularly regarding the Armenian genocide. He faced potential alienation from fans and physical danger due to his political stance.
  2. In 2005, after protesting at the office of Dennis Hastert, then Speaker of the House, for blocking a bill recognizing the Armenian genocide, Tankian learned that Turkish intelligence was tracking him. This added a layer of fear during performances, as he believed there might be a sniper targeting him.
  3. Tankian's head of security, informed by FBI contacts, warned him about the surveillance, highlighting the real threats activists can face. This situation was exacerbated by Hastert's later indictment for unrelated charges, which added complexity to the political landscape Tankian navigated.
  4. The intersection of politics and music is evident in Tankian's experiences, where security concerns and political actions influence his performances. The tension and fear from these situations often translated into a more intense and faster-paced musical performance.
  5. Despite the fear, Tankian notes that the adrenaline and tension from potential threats added a unique energy to his music, making performances more dynamic and emotionally charged.

Tell The Truth No Matter What

  1. The speaker discusses their commitment to truth, describing it as both a curse and a necessity. They frequently use the term 'naive' to characterize this commitment, suggesting a sense of inevitability in always telling the truth as an artist.
  2. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about their drummer, who is also their brother-in-law, humorously referring to him as a 'drummer in law.' This relationship is likened to having a 'work wife,' indicating a close, familial bond within the band.
  3. The speaker's drummer often describes them as stubborn, particularly in their refusal to abandon the truth. This stubbornness is portrayed as a defining characteristic, emphasizing the speaker's unwavering dedication to honesty.
  4. The speaker expresses an inability to publicly state anything they do not believe in, equating such an act to a form of 'reputational death.' This highlights the importance of authenticity and personal integrity in their public persona.
  5. The speaker clarifies that truthfulness does not necessarily have to be critical, painful, or antagonistic. This nuanced understanding of truth suggests that honesty can be conveyed in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.

2nd Course

  1. The second course features traditional dishes including tabbouleh, eetch, and manti. Tabbouleh is a well-known Middle Eastern and Mediterranean herb and bulgur wheat salad.
  2. Eetch is a uniquely Armenian dish, also made with bulgur wheat, but includes tomato, giving it a distinct flavor. It is a dish Serj has enjoyed since childhood.
  3. Manti are Armenian dumplings filled with beef, served with yogurt, Aleppo pepper, and tomato sauce. Making manti is a time-consuming process traditionally done by family members.
  4. Serj shares a personal story about his grandmother and mother making manti, highlighting the family tradition and the challenges his mother faces now due to arthritis.
  5. Despite dietary changes, such as Serj's period of vegetarianism, his mother adapted traditional recipes, using alternatives like soy meat, showcasing the adaptability of cultural dishes.
  6. The conversation humorously touches on the immigrant experience in America, where success allows for personal choices like vegetarianism, which can be seen as a departure from traditional cooking.
  7. The manti served was sourced from Monta Factory, a specialized producer, while the eetch was made in-house, demonstrating a blend of homemade and outsourced culinary efforts.

Banana Terracotta Pie Surprise

  1. The conversation begins with the introduction of a banana terracotta pie, a dish that is both unexpected and intriguing. The pie is described as having vanilla wafers and is humorously linked to the idea of appropriation in visual arts.
  2. The term 'banana terracotta pie' is explored as a metaphorical and Dada-esque concept, where unrelated elements are combined to create new meanings. The speaker enjoys creating relationships between disparate ideas, highlighting the randomness and creativity involved.
  3. The speaker recalls the initial reaction of producer Rick Rubin to the song featuring 'banana terracotta pie' lyrics. Initially skeptical, Rubin grew to appreciate the song, illustrating how repeated exposure can change perceptions and lead to appreciation.
  4. The discussion touches on the juxtaposition of silly and serious lyrics, suggesting that humor can make heavy topics more palatable. By mixing light-hearted and serious elements, the music engages listeners more effectively, making profound messages more accessible.
  5. The speaker reflects on the power of music to influence emotions, which can in turn affect logic and potentially change the world. This insight emphasizes the emotional impact of music and its ability to convey important messages through a balance of humor and seriousness.

Musically Scored Painting

  1. The text discusses the unique concept of musically scored paintings, where each painting is accompanied by a musical score that enhances the viewer's emotional experience. This innovative approach allows viewers to interact with art on multiple sensory levels, creating a more potent influence.
  2. The author describes an experience with a painting called 'The Tortoise,' which starts with a folky, stringed instrument and chanting, creating a reverent and calming atmosphere. As the music progresses, it introduces a bass line and electric guitar, altering the viewer's emotional response and perception of the painting.
  3. The artist, before starting to paint, had always been curious about scoring paintings. His first painting, 'Disarming Time,' included the first measure of music painted on the canvas using clocks without arms to denote musical notes, creating a visual and auditory art piece.
  4. The artist has created over 120 paintings, all musically scored, using an app called Arloopa developed by an Armenian tech company. This app uses optical recognition to play the music associated with each painting, allowing viewers to deeply engage with the art.
  5. The ultimate goal of the artist is to create art that interacts with all senses, providing a unique experience in each room. This concept aims to evoke different feelings and existences as viewers move through different spaces.
  6. A humorous exchange occurs where a consulting chef offers to help with the taste aspect of the multisensory art experience, joking about eating the painting.

Making Sense Of The Senseless

  1. The conversation begins with a discussion about the song 'Soil' by System of a Down, which was inspired by the suicide of Serj Tankian's friend, Paul. This event deeply affected Tankian and his group of friends, marking a significant and painful turning point in their lives.
  2. The interviewer shares a personal story about losing a friend to suicide, drawing parallels to Tankian's experience with Paul. Both stories highlight the unexpected and devastating impact of losing someone to suicide, especially when the signs were not fully understood or addressed.
  3. Tankian reflects on the concept of hopelessness as a dangerous state for individuals, emphasizing that when people feel hopeless, they may not see any positive outcomes or solutions, which can lead to tragic decisions.
  4. The conversation shifts to Chris Cornell, another friend of Tankian's, who also died by suicide. Tankian recalls Cornell's dreams and plans, which makes his death even more perplexing and difficult to comprehend, as it seemed contrary to his aspirations and ongoing projects.
  5. The discussion touches on the notion that depression and artistic creativity are often seen as linked, with some believing that emotional struggles can fuel great art. However, Tankian argues that creativity does not always have to stem from pain or struggle, and that art can be a joyful and fulfilling pursuit in itself.
  6. Anthony Bourdain's death is mentioned as a significant loss, particularly for those in the food industry who saw him as an inspirational figure. His passing challenged the belief that achieving a certain lifestyle or success would lead to happiness.
  7. Tankian concludes by acknowledging that while some artists may find inspiration in struggle, it is not a universal truth. He believes that art and creativity can thrive without the necessity of suffering, and that it is possible to create beautiful work from a place of contentment and passion.

3rd Course

  1. Serj Tankian is enjoying his last meal, featuring knafeh jibneh, a dessert made with soft cheese, shredded pastry, sugar syrup, and pistachios. He expresses great delight in this dessert, describing it as one of the world's greatest.
  2. Alongside the dessert, Serj is having Armenian coffee from his own company, Kavat Coffee, and an iced oat milk latte. He humorously pledges to drink both coffees on camera, emphasizing his enthusiasm for coffee.
  3. Serj Tankian started Kavat Coffee in 2018, initially as an online business, and recently opened a cafe in Eagle Rock. His goal was to create organic Armenian coffee, as most Armenian coffees are not organic.
  4. The preparation of Armenian coffee is distinct from American drip coffee. It involves finely ground coffee prepared in a pot over fire, with water measured using the coffee cup, and boiled three times to enhance flavor.
  5. After drinking Armenian coffee, the sediments at the bottom of the cup are used for fortune-telling, a cultural practice Serj engages in with his host, adding a mystical element to the coffee experience.
  6. Serj reminisces about his first experience with knafeh jibneh, a dessert he finds incredibly sugary and delightful, highlighting its ability to balance sweet and bitter flavors, creating a symphonic taste experience.

The Trauma Of Bombing

  1. The speaker discusses the power of art in revealing truths that are often only accessible through lived experiences, emphasizing the unique perspective it provides.
  2. The conversation shifts to the speaker's personal experience during the Lebanese civil war, highlighting the trauma of living through bombings as a child.
  3. The song 'Tentative' is mentioned as an example of art capturing the dissonance between detached discussions of bombings and the visceral reality of experiencing them.
  4. The speaker recalls being seven years old during the war, describing the fear and randomness of bombings, and the impact it had on their childhood.
  5. The randomness of natural disasters like earthquakes is contrasted with the deliberate nature of bombings, underscoring the human decisions behind such violence.
  6. Current events in Gaza are referenced, drawing parallels to the speaker's past experiences and emphasizing the ongoing trauma faced by children in conflict zones.
  7. The speaker criticizes societal priorities, pointing out how profit, land, and religion often take precedence over human well-being, leading to unnecessary suffering.
  8. A wish is expressed to return to a pre-agricultural society, suggesting that many of today's conflicts stem from historical shifts in human priorities.

Happiness Vs. Elation

  1. The text discusses the concept of a state's monopoly on violence, referencing the 1918 definition. It highlights the 2018 Armenian Velvet Revolution as an example of a non-violent, decentralized civil disobedience movement.
  2. The Armenian Velvet Revolution is described as a unique and effective tactic for enacting change without violence. It involved blocking streets and avoiding arrest by dispersing and regrouping, demonstrating the power of the people over the system.
  3. The author contrasts happiness with elation, using the Armenian Revolution as an example. Elation is described as a deeper, more intense emotion than happiness, characterized by a fullness in people's eyes.
  4. The author compares the Armenian Revolution to a hypothetical scenario where 30 million Americans protest and shut down Washington, D.C., emphasizing the scale and impact of the Armenian movement.
  5. The decentralized civil disobedience technique used in Armenia is likened to a Benny Hill chase, where the authorities are outmaneuvered and eventually give up, acknowledging the people's power.

The Choice To Have Kids

  1. The speaker reflects on the concept of hopelessness, describing it as the worst condition humanity can experience. They acknowledge a current sense of hopelessness in human history, questioning its justification.
  2. Hope for the future is found in the speaker's children. Initially, the speaker did not want to have children, but their perspective changed due to their partner's desire for kids. This change brought happiness and a desire for more children.
  3. The speaker expresses concern about the state of the planet and the kind of life their children will have, citing extreme temperatures as an example of environmental challenges.
  4. The speaker studied political science during the Arab Spring and initially held strong political beliefs. However, they realized these beliefs were counterproductive, leading to conflict rather than solutions.
  5. A shift in approach led the speaker to focus on storytelling and spreading happiness as a more productive means of enacting change.
  6. The speaker shares a personal story about a tattoo on their lower back, which helped raise funds for meals for underserved children, illustrating a tangible impact of their actions.

It's The Small Things

  1. The speaker emphasizes the importance of small acts of kindness, such as opening a door or refraining from honking at someone, even when tempted to do so. These actions reflect a broader understanding of interconnectedness.
  2. The speaker references a biblical concept of judgment at the end of times, which traditionally divides people into good or bad. However, they reinterpret this as a metaphor for understanding whether everything is connected or not.
  3. The idea of interconnectedness is central to the speaker's philosophy. If everything is connected, then individuals are part of a larger whole, implying unity and shared identity.
  4. Conversely, if everything is not connected, it suggests separation and division, which the speaker equates with the traditional notion of good and bad.
  5. The speaker poses a philosophical question about what happens after death, hinting at the significance of understanding our connections to others in life.

What Do You Think Happens When You Die?

  1. The text discusses the phenomenon of near-death experiences, which are often reported by individuals who have been clinically dead and then revived. These experiences are described as empirical and scientific, providing insights into what might happen after death.
  2. Common elements of near-death experiences include visions of a stairway to the sky or a tunnel, encounters with non-judgmental beings, and being given a choice to return to life or move on. These narratives challenge traditional Judeo-Christian concepts of heaven and hell.
  3. There are thousands of documented cases and numerous books written on the subject, highlighting the widespread nature of these experiences. They are considered fascinating by many due to their potential implications for understanding life after death.
  4. Some scientific explanations suggest that these experiences could be due to neurological phenomena, such as neurons firing or the release of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. However, not all aspects of near-death experiences can be fully explained by these theories.
  5. The speaker expresses a lack of fear of death itself but is concerned about the impact of their death on their children, indicating a fear of leaving them without a parent.

Lightning Round

  1. The conversation begins with a light-hearted activity of reading each other's coffee fortunes, setting a casual and intimate tone.
  2. Serj Tankian expresses a desire to share his last meal with his wife, highlighting the importance of personal relationships.
  3. He humorously considers scoring his own funeral, showing his unique perspective on life and death.
  4. Serj mentions professional grievers from Georgia, indicating a cultural interest in how people express grief.
  5. His biggest fear is 'fear itself,' a philosophical stance on the nature of fear.
  6. The hardest goodbye for Serj was to friends who have passed, reflecting on personal loss and memory.
  7. He expresses a wish to collaborate with Tom Waits, showing admiration for the artist.
  8. Serj regrets selling his software company, Ultimate Solutions One, wishing he had stayed in the software industry.
  9. He emphasizes that happiness is a choice, sharing personal insights into his recent emotional struggles.
  10. The conversation ends with mutual expressions of happiness and gratitude, underscoring the positive impact of shared stories.

Serj's Last Words & Reading Coffee Fortunes

  1. The conversation begins with a light-hearted exchange about reading each other's coffee fortunes, setting a playful tone.
  2. Serj Tankian humorously interprets the coffee grounds, predicting future albums for System of a Down, which is not a serious prediction.
  3. The coffee reading reveals a scene of a parent reading to a child, symbolizing clear intentions and thoughtful reflection.
  4. The playful nature of the coffee reading is acknowledged, with a humorous mention of a dancing woman, emphasizing the light-heartedness of the moment.
  5. Serj Tankian is thanked for his participation, and his memoir, 'Down With The System,' is recommended for its impactful content.
  6. The session concludes with expressions of gratitude for the experience and the food, highlighting the enjoyable and energizing nature of the gathering.