Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has thrived in high-pressure environments throughout his impressive career. By age 24, he was the executive chef at New York City’s esteemed Aquavit, making history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, with the launch of notable establishments like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has also authored numerous cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new field. In collaboration with West Elm, he is set to unveil a 32-piece home goods collection that reflects his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences living in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson shared his thoughts on the evolution of dining out post-COVID-19 and the various inspirations that fuel his creativity. He noted that the pandemic has transformed how people engage with food outside their homes, leading to an increase in the quality of home cooking. As a result, diners are now looking for unique experiences when they go out, preferring restaurants that offer great service and an engaging atmosphere.
He highlighted that the ambiance at Red Rooster is integral to the dining experience, where the vibrant community of Harlem plays a significant role. Live music is a key feature that enhances the restaurant’s appeal, and Samuelsson takes pride in supporting local musicians.
Her references the importance of understanding a neighborhood before opening a restaurant, ensuring that his establishments contribute positively to the community. He described his approach to designing his new home goods collection, explaining how his artistic side as a painter and writer has influenced his creative process as a chef and designer.
Samuelsson expressed pride in how the collection beautifully merges inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with African designs, resulting in a cohesive and meaningful collection. Ultimately, though he explores various creative outlets, he consistently returns to his passion for cooking, finding clarity and purpose in this enduring craft.