Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has always handled a high-pressure lifestyle. By 24, he had become the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, making history as the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from the New York Times.
In the years since, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, with venues like Red Rooster, which opened in 2010, followed by Hav & Mar in 2022 and Metropolis in 2023. He is also an accomplished author and a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new field by collaborating with West Elm to introduce a 32-piece home goods collection. This collection is influenced by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his New York City lifestyle.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights about the evolution of dining out since the COVID-19 pandemic and his creative inspirations. He noted that while home cooking has improved during lockdowns, diners now seek exceptional service and unique experiences when they go out. The ambiance and community engagement at his restaurants, like Red Rooster’s live music, enhance the dining experience, making patrons feel connected.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of community in his restaurant concepts, stating that he researches the neighborhoods he enters to understand their history and culture. He expressed excitement about his design collaboration with West Elm, highlighting how elements of his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints inspired the collection.
Despite his foray into home goods design and his artistic pursuits, Samuelsson remains anchored to his first love: cooking. He described cooking as his foundation, whether it’s shopping at the market or sharing food with his family, underscoring its enduring significance in his life.