Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has mastered the art of managing a high-pressure lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had already secured the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, marking a historic achievement as the youngest ever to earn a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, opening several notable venues including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his culinary ventures, he has authored cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new industry with the launch of a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm. This collection draws on his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage as well as his experiences in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining experiences since the pandemic, the importance of community in his restaurants, and his inspirations as a chef and designer.
He noted that the pandemic led to an increase in home cooking, raising customer expectations for dining out. Patrons now look for enhanced experiences that include excellent service and a vibrant atmosphere. Samuelsson emphasized that visitors want to feel engaged with their surroundings, noting the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster, which features live music that nurtures the Harlem community.
His new home goods collection reflects a combination of personal and cultural influences, showcasing wood designs reminiscent of his father’s fishing village in Sweden alongside African prints. Samuelsson expressed pride in the collaborative process with West Elm, which allowed him to blend his artistic visions into a cohesive collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson reaffirmed his passion for cooking, highlighting that it remains his primary source of fulfillment. Whether he is shopping for ingredients or teaching his children about food, cooking is where he feels most experienced and confident.