Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-versed in the demands of a high-pressure career. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary star had become the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, and he soon made history as the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has solidified his status as a leading restaurateur in New York, with notable establishments such as Red Rooster, which opened in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a fixture on the Food Network for many years.
Now, he is branching out into a new venture. In partnership with West Elm, Samuelsson is set to unveil a 32-piece home goods line that draws on his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson shared insights with Quartz about how dining experiences have evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic and his creative inspirations.
He noted that the pandemic transformed people’s cooking habits, leading to a generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, diners now seek exceptional service and unique experiences when they go out to eat. They want to feel connected and part of a communal experience.
Samuelsson highlighted the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly mentioning Red Rooster’s incorporation of live music that reflects the vibrant Harlem community. He emphasized the significance of paying local musicians and making contributions to the neighborhoods where his restaurants are situated.
Regarding his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson expressed that his creative journey as a chef extends into other areas such as painting and writing. He relished the partnership with West Elm, appreciating their openness to his ideas and the collaborative process.
He took pride in the blend of cultural inspirations in the collection, noting that many items are influenced by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, while also celebrating African prints.
Despite his various creative pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his true passion, stating that all his daily activities ultimately circle back to his love for food, whether it’s shopping for ingredients or sharing culinary knowledge with his family.