Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson knows how to thrive under pressure. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary star had already ascended to the position of executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, becoming the youngest chef to earn a prestigious three-star review from The New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has cemented his reputation as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks, penned memoirs, and has been a prominent figure on the Food Network for many years.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new arena with a home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm. This 32-piece collection draws inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on the transformation of dining habits since the pandemic, detailing the evolution of people’s relationships with eating out. He noted that while cooking at home has improved for many, diners now seek exceptional service and a memorable experience when dining out.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant community atmosphere in his restaurants. At Red Rooster, for example, live music plays a vital role in enhancing the dining experience, while also supporting local musicians.
Regarding his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson explained that his creative endeavors in cooking, painting, and design often influence one another. He expressed pride in this partnership, highlighting that elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints contributed to the collection’s design.
Despite his diverse artistic pursuits, Samuelsson ultimately finds his center in cooking. He maintains that every aspect of cooking—from shopping at the market to educating his children about food—remains at the heart of his creative journey.