Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has made a significant mark in the culinary world, rising to prominence at a young age. By 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had already taken on the role of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, making history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
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Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, with notable ventures including the opening of Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his culinary achievements, he has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a prominent figure on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new domain by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, along with his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining habits post-COVID-19, highlighting that the pandemic has improved home cooking and has changed expectations for dining out. He noted that patrons now seek not only excellent food but also engaging service and a sense of community when dining out.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster in Harlem, where live music plays a key role. He explained that the restaurant aims to reflect the vibrant community of Harlem and supports local musicians.
The chef also described his new collaboration with West Elm, revealing that his artistic background, including painting and writing, has influenced his approach to design. He expressed pride in the way his collection features elements inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, combined with African prints, creating a cohesive collection.
Ultimately, Samuelsson noted that after a long day, his passion for cooking remains at the forefront, as he finds joy in every aspect of preparing food, whether it’s shopping for ingredients or sharing culinary knowledge with his children.