Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has consistently navigated a high-pressure lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had ascended to the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also an acclaimed author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, in a new venture, Samuelsson is entering the home goods market. He has partnered with West Elm to unveil a 32-piece collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining out in 2024, the sparks behind his culinary creativity, and his future aspirations.
Reflecting on changes since the COVID-19 lockdowns, Samuelsson noted that the pandemic enhanced home dining experiences, resulting in many people evolving into skilled home cooks. When dining out, he believes patrons now seek more memorable and service-rich experiences, wanting to feel a sense of community and belonging within the restaurant.
Samuelsson highlighted the vibrant atmosphere at his Harlem restaurant, Red Rooster, which features live music and embodies the essence of the local community. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and emphasized the importance of understanding the history of the neighborhoods his restaurants inhabit.
Regarding his new collection with West Elm, Samuelsson shared that his creativity extends beyond cooking; he has been painting since he was a teenager and has a history of artistic collaboration in restaurant design. He cherishes the partnership with West Elm, valuing their willingness to embrace his ideas throughout the design process.
Among his proud achievements in this collaboration, Samuelsson pointed to the use of bright woods and designs inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, paired with African prints, all unified in one cohesive collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson ultimately finds solace in cooking. Whether he’s shopping at a market, sharing food with his children, or simply contemplating culinary ideas, he feels most at home in the kitchen, viewing his other artistic endeavors as ongoing learning experiences.