Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is known for thriving in high-pressure situations. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had already ascended to the position of executive chef at New York City’s esteemed Aquavit, making history as the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, with notable establishments including Red Rooster, launched in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new industry. In collaboration with West Elm, he is launching a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared his insights on dining trends for 2024, his culinary inspirations, and future projects. He reflected on the changes in people’s dining habits since the COVID-19 lockdowns, noting that while the quality of home cooking has improved, diners now seek memorable experiences when eating out, craving exceptional service and a sense of community.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurants. At Red Rooster in Harlem, he strives to reflect the vibrant community, integrating live music to enhance the dining experience while supporting local musicians. His approach at Hav & Mar is similar, focusing on the artistic elements that define the Chelsea neighborhood.
When asked about his decision to design the home goods collection for West Elm, Samuelsson highlighted his long-standing passion for creativity, which extends beyond cooking into painting and writing. He enjoys the collaborative process of design and appreciated West Elm’s openness to his ideas.
He expressed pride in the collection’s diverse inspirations, featuring elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden alongside African prints, all unified in one cohesive collection.
Despite his numerous creative pursuits, Samuelsson consistently returns to cooking at the end of the day. He finds joy in all aspects of culinary arts—from shopping for ingredients to sharing food knowledge with his children—reaffirming that cooking remains his greatest passion and expertise.