Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has made a name for himself in the culinary world, rising to become the executive chef of New York City’s renowned Aquavit by the age of 24 and earning the distinction of being the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times. Over the years, he has expanded his influence as a restaurateur by opening popular establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a celebrated author and a familiar face on the Food Network.
In a bold new venture, Samuelsson is venturing into the home goods industry by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece collection. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences living in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining out since the pandemic and how it has altered people’s expectations. He noted that the pandemic led to a newfound appreciation for restaurant experiences, with diners now seeking high-quality service and unique atmospheres to enjoy with family and friends. As options continue to expand, consumers expect quick access to quality food that might once have taken much longer to prepare.
Samuelsson elaborated on the importance of ambiance, particularly the role of live music in creating a vibrant dining experience at Red Rooster. He emphasized the significance of community engagement and local contributions in the design of his restaurants, such as the art program at Hav & Mar, which reflects the character of the Chelsea neighborhood.
When asked about his shift towards designing home goods for West Elm, Samuelsson explained that his creative pursuits extend beyond cooking. He has a passion for painting and writing, which he has pursued for years. He enjoys the collaborative nature of restaurant design, often contributing to the creative vision alongside architects, which has prepared him for this new endeavor with West Elm.
Samuelsson expressed pride in the collection’s blend of elements, including the use of bright woods influenced by his father’s fishing village in Sweden and prints celebrating African heritage, all coming together in a cohesive design.
Despite his many artistic pursuits, cooking remains his foundational passion. After a long day, he finds solace in cooking, whether it’s shopping for ingredients, sharing meals with his family, or simply contemplating culinary creations. He feels confident in his culinary skills, seeing cooking as a domain where he has mastery, unlike his other artistic explorations.