Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has experienced a demanding career from an early age. By the age of 24, he achieved the position of executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
In the years that followed, Samuelsson established himself as a prominent figure among New York restaurateurs, launching successful establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a published author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a fixture on the Food Network.
Samuelsson is now venturing into a new industry with a 32-piece home goods collection in partnership with West Elm. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian roots as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights on the evolution of dining out post-COVID and discussed his inspirations and future plans. He noted that the pandemic spurred a generation of skilled home cooks, prompting diners to seek more immersive and enjoyable dining experiences when they go out.
He emphasized the importance of creating a community atmosphere in his restaurants, especially at Red Rooster in Harlem, which features live music and aims to reflect the spirit of its neighborhood. At Hav & Mar in Chelsea, he integrates local art to enhance the dining experience.
Regarding his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson explained that his creativity extends beyond cooking to painting and design. He found the partnership with West Elm rewarding, as it allowed him to incorporate inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints into a cohesive collection.
Despite his many artistic pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his primary passion, where he feels most confident and experienced. He engages with food through various activities, from shopping at markets to sharing culinary knowledge with his children.