Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has established a remarkable career, achieving significant milestones early on. By the age of 24, he had become the executive chef at New York City’s prestigious Aquavit, ultimately earning the distinction of being the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has built a reputation as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching notable establishments like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his culinary ventures, he has authored cookbooks and memoirs and has been a prominent figure on the Food Network.
In an exciting new venture, Samuelsson is collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection, drawing 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 relationship between diners and restaurants has evolved since the COVID-19 lockdowns. He noted that the quality of home dining has improved significantly, leading diners to seek out unique experiences when eating out. People now crave not just good food but an engaging atmosphere where they feel a sense of community.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance beyond food in his restaurants. At Red Rooster, he aims to capture the essence of the Harlem community, integrating live music into the dining experience and supporting local musicians. Similarly, at Hav & Mar in Chelsea, he focuses on contributing to the neighborhood, incorporating an art program in line with the area’s cultural significance.
Discussing his new collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson expressed that his creativity extends beyond the kitchen. He has a long-standing passion for painting and writing and enjoys the collaborative process involved in designing restaurants. His experience with West Elm has been particularly rewarding, merging influences from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and the vibrant cultures of Africa into the collection.
Ultimately, despite his various creative pursuits, cooking remains Samuelsson’s true passion. He cherishes the simplicity and joy of preparing food, whether through shopping for ingredients, teaching his children about cuisine, or engaging with the culinary process itself.