Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-acquainted with the demands of a high-pressure career. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had become the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City 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 a prominent restaurateur in New York, launching notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a celebrated author and a regular presence on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new realm by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection influenced by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, along with his New York experiences.
In a recent conversation with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights on the evolving dining landscape in 2024, his artistic influences, and future pursuits. This dialogue has been edited for brevity and clarity.
When asked about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dining habits, Samuelsson noted that two significant trends emerged. First, the quality of takeout and home cooking improved, leading patrons to seek enhanced dining experiences that include stellar service and an elevated atmosphere. He emphasizes that diners today desire a sense of community, feeling like they’re part of something meaningful when they go out.
He also highlighted that the variety of dining options has expanded significantly, noting that what previously took days to source can now be delivered in an hour.
Samuelsson expressed the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster. He believes the vibrant community of Harlem enriches the dining experience and takes pride in supporting local musicians. The presence of live music is integral to the Rooster’s identity, allowing patrons to connect with the community through art.
At Hav & Mar in Chelsea, Samuelsson considers the local art scene essential to the restaurant’s identity and collaborates with artist Derrick Adams to integrate art into the dining experience.
As for his foray into home goods design, Samuelsson explained his long-standing passion for creativity, which extends beyond cooking to painting and writing. He values collaboration, especially in design, where he often aims to bring a Scandinavian touch to his restaurant interiors. The partnership with West Elm has been particularly rewarding for him.
Samuelsson takes pride in incorporating elements of his heritage into the West Elm collection, drawing inspiration from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints, creating a cohesive collection that reflects his background.
Despite his many creative endeavors, Samuelsson remains grounded in his first love: cooking. He enjoys every aspect of culinary arts, whether it’s shopping for ingredients, sharing recipes with his children, or simply contemplating food. While he feels he is still learning in areas like writing and painting, cooking is where he feels most confident and at home.