Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has built a remarkable career, rising to fame at a young age. By just 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had become the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, making history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, he has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, known for opening notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his restaurant ventures, Samuelsson has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson announced his expansion into the home goods market. In collaboration with West Elm, he is launching a collection of 32 home goods inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolving landscape of dining out in 2024, his culinary inspirations, and his future plans. He reflected on how the pandemic changed people’s relationships with dining, emphasizing that while home cooking improved, diners now seek elevated experiences when eating out, desiring exceptional service and a sense of connection within the restaurant.
He highlighted the atmosphere at his restaurant, Red Rooster, particularly the role of live music in creating a vibrant ambiance that reflects the community of Harlem. Samuelsson believes that a restaurant’s identity should be rooted in its surrounding neighborhood, which is why he prioritizes research and community engagement when opening new locations.
When asked about his transition into home design with West Elm, Samuelsson shared that his creativity extends beyond cooking. He has been involved in painting and writing for many years. His role in designing restaurants often requires collaboration with architects, so creating the home goods line felt like a natural extension of his artistry. He noted that the collaboration with West Elm was particularly fulfilling, as it allowed him to bring his unique vision to life while working with a respected brand.
Samuelsson takes pride in the blend of influences in the collection, combining elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with African prints. Ultimately, despite his various creative endeavors, he finds solace in cooking, asserting that it remains his core passion and expertise, while he continues to develop his skills in painting and furniture design.