Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has built a successful career in the culinary world, starting as the executive chef of Aquavit in New York City by the age of 24. He soon made history by becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times. Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent restaurateur, with notable establishments such as Red Rooster, which opened in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. Beyond his restaurants, Samuelsson is an accomplished author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a regular presence on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into a new industry by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, along with his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on how people’s dining habits have evolved since the COVID-19 lockdowns. He noted that the pandemic sparked a boom in home cooking, leading diners to seek more immersive dining experiences that provide excellent service and a sense of community. Samuelsson emphasized that patrons now crave the feeling of being part of something special when they dine out.
Discussing his restaurant Red Rooster, he highlighted the importance of the Harlem community and the ambiance created by live music, which enriches the dining experience. Samuelsson also expressed pride in supporting local musicians, stating that many elements contribute to the unique identity of the restaurant.
As for his new collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson shared that his creativity extends beyond cooking to painting and writing. He has long enjoyed collaborating with architects on his restaurant designs and found the partnership with West Elm particularly rewarding due to their mutual openness to ideas. His home goods collection features bright woods inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, alongside prints reflecting his African heritage.
When asked about his personal creative outlets, Samuelsson emphasized that cooking remains his true passion. He enjoys every aspect of it, from shopping at the market to discussing food with his children, asserting that cooking feels like a mastered skill for him compared to his other artistic pursuits.