Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-known for his high-pressure lifestyle. By age 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had already become the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit and made history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as one of New York’s top restaurateurs, opening iconic venues like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his restaurant ventures, he has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new area: he is collaborating with West Elm to release a 32-piece home goods collection, drawing inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolving dining landscape in 2024, his creative inspirations, and his future plans.
Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dining habits, Samuelsson noted that people have developed a greater appreciation for the dining experience. With improved at-home cooking, diners now seek restaurants that offer exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere. He emphasized that the experience should make patrons feel they are part of a welcoming community.
He expressed pride in integrating local culture into his restaurants, such as the live music at Red Rooster, which celebrates the Harlem community. In Chelsea, at Hav & Mar, he ensures the venue reflects the neighborhood’s artistic vibe, collaborating with local artists like Derrick Adams.
Regarding his new home goods collection, Samuelsson shared that his creative journey began long before his cooking career, as he has been painting since he was a teenager. He enjoys the collaborative process of designing with West Elm, citing the joy of working with a partner open to new ideas.
Samuelsson expressed pride in incorporating elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden alongside African prints in the collection. Despite his many creative pursuits, he ultimately returns to his roots in cooking as his primary passion, saying he feels like an expert in that realm compared to his other creative endeavors.