Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-acquainted with the demands of a high-pressure career. By the age of 24, he had ascended to the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as one of New York’s leading restaurateurs, launching multiple restaurants including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has also published cookbooks and memoirs and made numerous appearances on the Food Network.
Now balancing family life, Samuelsson is venturing into a new industry with the launch of a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson reflected on how the pandemic has altered people’s relationships with dining out. He believes that the heightened culinary skills of home cooks have led diners to seek unique experiences when eating out—craving not just a meal, but a memorable atmosphere and excellent service.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of community in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster. He integrates live music to enhance the dining experience and stresses his commitment to supporting local musicians. Similarly, at Hav & Mar in Chelsea, he works to incorporate the local culture into the restaurant.
When discussing his home goods collection, Samuelsson highlighted his long-standing passion for creativity, which has included painting and writing alongside his culinary career. He expressed pride in his collaboration with West Elm, appreciating their openness to his ideas. The collection features elements inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, as well as prints from Africa, creating a cohesive blend of influences.
Ultimately, Samuelsson shared that despite his diverse pursuits, he consistently finds solace in cooking. He views cooking as a definitive aspect of his life, contrasting it with his experiences in writing, painting, and furniture design, areas where he still feels like he is learning.