Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is accustomed to a demanding lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary artist had already attained the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit. Shortly thereafter, he became the youngest recipient of 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. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network for many years.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new field. In a partnership with West Elm, he is debuting a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his experiences living in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights on the restaurant industry in 2024, his culinary inspirations, and his future endeavors.
When reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on dining habits, Samuelsson noted two key changes: the improvement of at-home dining experiences and a renewed desire for exceptional service and atmosphere when dining out. He stated that diners now seek a more immersive experience, desiring not just a meal but a sense of engagement with their surroundings and the people in the room.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of community in his restaurants. At Red Rooster, he aims to capture the essence of Harlem and incorporates live music to enhance the dining experience. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and highlighted the significance of research when entering new neighborhoods.
When asked about his transition to designing a home goods collection, he explained that creativity drives him beyond the kitchen. His experience as a chef has often involved collaboration with architects, and he enjoyed working with West Elm, appreciating their willingness to exchange ideas throughout the design process.
Among his proudest achievements in this collaboration are the incorporation of design elements inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden and the addition of African prints, creating a cohesive collection.
Despite engaging in diverse creative outlets, Samuelsson stated that cooking remains his true passion. He relishes the various aspects of cooking, from selecting ingredients to sharing culinary experiences with his family. He feels a sense of expertise in cooking, contrasting it with his ongoing exploration in writing, painting, and furniture design.