Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has embraced a high-pressure lifestyle throughout his career. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary talent had already made history as the executive chef of Aquavit in New York City, becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
In recent years, Samuelsson expanded his reputation as a leading restaurateur, establishing popular venues such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs while also becoming a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a completely different field. He has partnered with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson shared insights on the changing dynamics of dining out since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that while the quality of home-cooked meals has improved, diners now seek elevated experiences that go beyond food. People want a sense of community and engagement in the dining environment, opting for places that offer service and atmosphere.
Discussing the ambiance at Red Rooster, Samuelsson highlighted the importance of community and live music. He emphasized the restaurant’s role in celebrating Harlem and supporting local musicians. Similarly, at Hav & Mar in Chelsea, he focuses on contributing to the local community and enriching the artistic landscape.
Samuelsson’s new collaboration with West Elm emerged from his creative pursuits beyond cooking. With a background in painting and writing, he relishes the collaborative nature of designing his restaurant spaces and this home goods collection. He expressed pride in incorporating elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden along with African prints into the collection.
Despite his diverse talents, cooking remains his primary passion. Samuelsson explained that after a long day, he always returns to the kitchen, whether it’s sourcing ingredients, sharing culinary knowledge with his children, or simply contemplating food. He feels confident in his cooking skills, unlike his ongoing journey in writing, painting, and furniture design.