Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has consistently thrived in high-pressure environments. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had already secured the role of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest individual to earn a three-star review from The New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, he has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching several popular venues including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. Samuelsson is also an accomplished author of cookbooks and memoirs, and has been a prominent figure on the Food Network for many years.
In an exciting new venture, Samuelsson is venturing into the home goods market through a collaboration with West Elm. This new collection consists of 32 pieces influenced by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
Recently, Samuelsson engaged in an interview with Quartz, where he discussed the evolving landscape of dining out in 2024, his culinary inspirations, and his future career aspirations. The discussion highlighted how the pandemic has altered people’s dining habits, emphasizing a shift towards seeking unique experiences and better food delivery options.
Samuelsson reflected on the vibrant atmosphere at Red Rooster, particularly noting the significance of live music and community engagement. His commitment to integrating local culture into his establishments is evident, as seen in how he fosters a supportive environment for musicians in Harlem and promotes local art in Chelsea at Hav & Mar.
When asked about his new collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson expressed pride in intertwining elements from his Swedish roots and African heritage into the collection. His creative journey includes painting and writing, and he draws parallels between these artistic pursuits and his work in the culinary world.
Despite his diverse talents, Samuelsson remains grounded in cooking, stating it is his primary passion and a constant source of inspiration, whether he’s shopping for ingredients or cooking for his family.