Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is expanding his creative ventures beyond the kitchen. Known for his distinguished achievements at a young age—including becoming the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit—and receiving a three-star review from the New York Times, Samuelsson has established a significant presence in the culinary world. His restaurant portfolio includes popular venues such as Red Rooster, Hav & Mar, and Metropolis, and he has long been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into home goods with a new 32-piece collection in collaboration with West Elm. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian roots as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson shared insights about the evolving dining landscape post-COVID-19. He noted that the pandemic enhanced people’s cooking skills, leading consumers to seek exceptional dining experiences when they eat out. He emphasized the importance of ambiance, service, and the thrill of being part of a vibrant community when dining.
Discussing his restaurants, Samuelsson highlighted the unique character of Red Rooster in Harlem, where live music enriches the dining experience and supports local musicians. At his Chelsea-based restaurant Hav & Mar, he aligns the establishment with the neighborhood’s artistic identity through community-focused initiatives.
When asked about his new direction with West Elm, Samuelsson explained that his creative endeavors extend beyond cooking to include painting and writing. He noted that his design philosophy for restaurants often mirrors his approach to creating the home goods collection, focusing on thoughtful collaboration.
One of the aspects he takes pride in regarding the West Elm collection is the blend of materials and inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden alongside African prints, uniting diverse elements in one cohesive collection.
Ultimately, after a busy day, Samuelsson finds his way back to what he loves most: cooking. The chef appreciates every facet of the culinary process, from selecting ingredients at the market to sharing culinary knowledge with his children, reaffirming his expertise and passion in the kitchen.