Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, renowned for his high-pressure career, achieved significant milestones early on. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef became the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, and subsequently made headlines as the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his restaurant ventures, he has authored cookbooks and memoirs, and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson shared exciting news about his expansion into a new sector. He is collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
During the conversation, Samuelsson reflected on the evolving dining landscape in 2024, noting how the pandemic has transformed people’s expectations of restaurant experiences. He observed that more individuals have developed their culinary skills during lockdowns, leading to a desire for elevated dining experiences when they go out. Customers now seek not just food, but also ambiance and community interaction.
Samuelsson highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere in his restaurants, such as the live music at Red Rooster that showcases Harlem’s vibrant community. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and emphasized the significance of understanding the neighborhoods where his restaurants are located.
When asked about transitioning to design a home goods collection with West Elm, Samuelsson shared that his creative journey extends beyond cooking. He has been involved in art and writing since young adulthood, which influenced his design process for the collection. He appreciated working collaboratively with West Elm, which allowed him to merge his Scandinavian roots with African influences in the collection’s design.
Despite his many pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his greatest passion. He enjoys every aspect of it, from shopping for ingredients to sharing meals with his family, maintaining a deep commitment to his craft as he continues to explore new creative avenues.