Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-known for his high-pressure lifestyle and impressive career achievements. By the age of 24, Samuelsson, who was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, had taken on the role of executive chef at Aquavit in New York City. Shortly thereafter, he became the youngest chef to earn a prestigious three-star review from The New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a prominent figure on the Food Network.
Currently, Samuelsson is venturing into a new field by partnering with West Elm to introduce a 32-piece home goods collection that reflects his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage along with his experiences in New York.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights on dining trends in 2024, his creative inspirations, and his future career plans.
Reflecting on the post-COVID-19 dining landscape, he noted that the pandemic has improved the experience of dining at home, fostering a new generation of skilled home cooks. This shift has made diners crave elevated experiences when going out, emphasizing the importance of service and ambiance.
Discussing the unique atmosphere of his restaurant Red Rooster in Harlem, Samuelsson highlighted the significance of community and the inclusion of live music. He expressed pride in financially supporting local musicians and integrating the essence of Harlem into the dining experience. Similarly, at Hav & Mar, he aims to connect with the Chelsea community through art and research.
Samuelsson’s foray into home goods design with West Elm stemmed from his creative background, which encompasses cooking, painting, and writing. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with a well-established brand that values his ideas and integrates elements inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden along with African prints into the collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that his true passion remains cooking. Whether it involves shopping for ingredients, sharing culinary knowledge with his children, or simply contemplating food, cooking continues to be his primary focus and expertise.