Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has led an impressive career, characterized by high-pressure roles. By the age of 24, he became the executive chef of Aquavit in New York City and was the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from The New York Times.
Over the years, he has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching venues like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023, among others. Samuelsson is also a prolific author and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into a new field by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a conversation with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights into the evolution of dining out since the pandemic, reflecting on how people now seek enhanced dining experiences, valuing service and a sense of community when they eat out. He noted that diners are looking for an experience that makes them feel connected to others, emphasizing the importance of ambiance in restaurants like Red Rooster, which incorporates live music and the vibrant culture of Harlem.
Samuelsson expressed a commitment to contributing to the communities where his restaurants are located, highlighting the significance of understanding local cultural contexts. He also discussed the motivations behind his collaboration with West Elm, indicating that his artistic endeavors as a chef have naturally extended into design, with this partnership allowing him to express his creativity in new forms.
He takes pride in the collective elements of the West Elm collection, which merges designs inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden with African art influences. Ultimately, Samuelsson affirmed that cooking remains his primary passion, serving as a constant in his multifaceted career despite his pursuits in writing, painting, and design.