Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has had a remarkable career, becoming a prominent figure in the culinary world. By the age of 24, he was the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, earning the distinction of being the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has built a reputation as a leading restaurateur, opening successful establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has also authored multiple cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar presence on the Food Network for years.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new field. He is launching a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm, drawing inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage as well as his experiences living in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights on the evolving nature of dining out in 2024 and his motivations for creating the new collection.
He noted that the pandemic significantly changed people’s relationship with dining out, with many home cooks becoming more skilled. Consequently, diners now seek an enhanced experience when eating out, desiring exceptional service and ambiance that makes them feel connected to their surroundings.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of atmosphere in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster, where live music plays a central role in fostering a sense of community. He also highlighted the need for restaurants to engage with their neighborhoods meaningfully, as seen in his efforts at Hav & Mar, which incorporates local art.
Discussing his transition to the home goods sector, Samuelsson revealed his creative background beyond cooking, including painting and writing. He expressed excitement about collaborating with West Elm, appreciating their openness to creative input.
Among the elements of the collection, Samuelsson is particularly proud of incorporating design inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden, alongside prints representing his African roots, creating a cohesive collection that reflects his diverse heritage.
Despite his many creative endeavors, Samuelsson reiterated that cooking remains his primary passion, viewing it as an integral part of his life that he approaches with confidence and clarity.