Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world, having achieved remarkable success by the age of 24 as the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, where he made history by becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has expanded his influence as a restaurateur, launching notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his culinary ventures, he has authored cookbooks, penned memoirs, and remained a fixture on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into the home goods industry by collaborating with West Elm to create a 32-piece collection. This new line draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on how the pandemic has transformed people’s dining habits since the lockdowns. He observed that while the quality of home dining has improved, diners now seek engaging service and unique dining experiences when they eat out.
He emphasized the importance of atmosphere in his restaurants, noting that live music at Red Rooster enhances the community feeling and supports local musicians. Samuelsson stresses that any new venture in a neighborhood should involve thorough research to understand its history and culture.
Discussing his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson highlighted his passion for creativity, which extends beyond cooking to painting and writing. His design process for the collection involved a fruitful partnership with West Elm, resulting in a rich blend of inspirations from his father’s Swedish fishing village and African art, all integrated into a cohesive collection.
At the end of a busy day, despite his diverse interests in art and design, Samuelsson always returns to his first love: cooking. He feels confident in his culinary skills, viewing them as a lifelong journey of mastery.