Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has made a name for himself in the culinary world, rising to executive chef of New York City’s prestigious Aquavit at the young age of 24. He became the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur, with the openings of popular venues such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored cookbooks and memoirs, and remains a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new arena by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods 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 shared insights into the evolving dining landscape in 2024, his culinary inspirations, and his future plans. He noted that the pandemic has significantly altered people’s dining preferences, leading to an improved home-cooking experience and heightened expectations for restaurant service. Diners are now more likely to seek an immersive experience that includes not just good food, but also a vibrant atmosphere filled with engaging interactions.
Samuelsson emphasized the cultural significance of his restaurants, particularly Red Rooster, which embodies the spirit of Harlem. He believes in creating a community experience that goes beyond food, highlighting the importance of live music and local engagement. At Hav & Mar, he aims to reflect the Chelsea community, incorporating art programs to enrich the dining experience.
The decision to create a home goods collection was inspired by his passion for creativity, which he has pursued through painting and writing alongside his culinary career. Samuelsson noted that his design process involved a fruitful collaboration with West Elm, allowing him to merge his Scandinavian roots with African influences in a cohesive collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson finds himself returning to cooking as his true passion, engaging in various aspects of it, from market shopping to cooking with his children at home. He expresses confidence in his culinary skills while considering himself a learner in other creative fields.