Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is known for his intense and thriving career in the culinary world. By the age of 24, this Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had already made a name for himself as the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a notable restaurateur in New York, having opened successful dining establishments like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. Aside from his accomplishments in the kitchen, he has authored numerous cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network for many years.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into a different industry by partnering with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, along with his experiences in New York.
In a recent interview with Quartz, he reflected on the evolution of dining out since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that while the pandemic improved home dining experiences, it also raised expectations for dining out. People are seeking exceptional service and a sense of community when they eat out, desiring unique experiences that go beyond just food.
He emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurant Red Rooster, particularly the inclusion of live music, which enhances the dining experience and showcases the community of Harlem. Similarly, he stressed the importance of understanding and contributing to the local culture when opening new restaurants, as seen with Hav & Mar in Chelsea, where they engage with the local arts scene through collaboration with artists.
When asked about his new venture into home goods design, Samuelsson revealed a long-standing passion for creativity beyond cooking, including painting and writing. The collaboration with West Elm allowed him to integrate his artistic vision into the home goods collection, drawing inspiration from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints to create a cohesive line of products.
Despite his many creative pursuits, Samuelsson shared that cooking remains his true passion. From shopping for ingredients to teaching his children about food, he feels most at home in the kitchen, where he is confident in his expertise and direction.