Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has built a reputation for thriving in the fast-paced culinary world. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had become the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit and made history as the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times.
Since then, Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent restaurateur, launching notable venues 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 familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new realm by collaborating with West Elm to introduce a 32-piece home goods collection influenced by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage along with his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson reflected on how the pandemic reshaped diners’ relationships with eating out. He pointed out that the period led to an improvement in home cooking, creating a demand for exceptional dining experiences when people choose to go out. According to him, diners now seek not just a meal but also a sense of community and connection with others in the restaurant.
When discussing the ambiance at Red Rooster, he emphasized the importance of Harlem’s community and the role of live music in enriching the dining experience. Samuelsson stressed his commitment to contributing positively to the neighborhoods where his restaurants are located.
On his new collaboration with West Elm, he stated that his creativity as a chef extends to various forms of art, including painting and writing. He enjoyed the partnership with West Elm, noting it allowed him to draw from his personal experiences and cultural backgrounds in designing the collection.
When asked what he returns to after a long day, Samuelsson mentioned cooking as his primary passion. He described it as the aspect of his career where he feels most confident, in contrast to his ongoing explorations in painting and writing.