Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-known for his high-pressure lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary expert had already become the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit. Shortly thereafter, he made history by being the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
In the years that followed, Samuelsson cemented his reputation as one of New York’s leading restaurateurs, opening notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has also authored cookbooks, written memoirs, and been a consistent figure on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson is venturing into a new industry. In partnership with West Elm, he is launching a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared his thoughts on the evolving restaurant landscape, his creative inspirations, and future aspirations. He reflected on how the pandemic changed people’s dining experiences, noting that while home-cooking skills improved, diners now seek enhanced dining experiences that offer quality service and a sense of community.
Speaking about the ambiance at Red Rooster in Harlem, he emphasized the importance of community and live music, highlighting that the restaurant pays musicians to foster a vibrant atmosphere. In his other establishment, Hav & Mar, he integrates local culture, collaborating with artists to ensure the restaurant contributes meaningfully to the neighborhood.
Samuelsson explained his motivation for the home goods collection with West Elm, expressing that as a creative individual, he enjoys blending various artistic mediums. He draws parallels between designing restaurants and creating home goods, emphasizing collaboration as a key factor in this process. He takes pride in elements of the collection that reflect his roots, combining influences from his father’s Swedish fishing village and African prints into one cohesive design.
Despite his many creative pursuits, Samuelsson always returns to cooking. He finds joy in various aspects of the culinary world, from shopping for ingredients to sharing food experiences with his family, indicating that cooking remains his primary passion and expertise.