Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has carved out a prominent space in the culinary world, achieving significant milestones at a young age. By just 24, he held the position of executive chef at Aquavit in New York City and became the youngest chef ever to earn a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching successful establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and the recently opened Metropolis in 2023. He has also authored several cookbooks and memoirs and remains a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new arena: home goods. In collaboration with West Elm, he is unveiling a 32-piece collection inspired by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, alongside his experiences in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson addressed the evolving landscape of dining out in 2024, discussing inspirations behind his cooking and his future endeavors. He noted a significant shift in people’s dining relationships post-COVID-19, highlighting how home cooking has improved while the expectations for dining out have elevated, with patrons seeking a unique and communal experience.
When reflecting on the ambiance at Red Rooster, he emphasized the importance of Harlem’s community and the role of live music in enriching the dining experience. Samuelsson believes in actively contributing to the neighborhoods where he opens his restaurants, ensuring his establishments resonate with local culture.
Discussing his new collection with West Elm, Samuelsson expressed his excitement about the creative collaboration, drawing from his artistic experiences as a chef, painter, and writer. He highlighted that many design elements, such as the use of bright woods, are inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, blending African prints in a cohesive collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that he always returns to cooking, as it remains his primary passion and where he feels most assured in his abilities.