Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has always thrived in a high-pressure environment. By the age of 24, this Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary talent had reached the position of executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, eventually becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
In the years that followed, Samuelsson established himself as one of New York’s leading restaurateurs, launching famed establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs, and has been a prominent presence on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new industry with a collaboration with West Elm, introducing a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage and his life in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, he reflected on how the pandemic has transformed people’s dining experiences. He noted that the improvement in home cooking has led diners to seek exceptional service and an elevated atmosphere when eating out. Samuelsson emphasized the desire for patrons to feel a sense of community and connection while dining.
He shared insights into the unique ambiance of Red Rooster, highlighting the importance of incorporating the local culture of Harlem, including live music, into the dining experience. Samuelsson also mentioned the significance of contributing to the community through partnerships, like the art program at Hav & Mar.
Discussing his new collection with West Elm, Samuelsson expressed pride in the collaboration, which blends inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with African elements, creating a cohesive collection. Despite his diverse creative pursuits, including writing and painting, Samuelsson stated that he always returns to cooking as his true passion and clarity of purpose.