Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has embraced the high-pressure lifestyle that comes with his profession. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had become the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit, making history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent restaurateur in New York, opening notable establishments like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a prolific author of cookbooks and memoirs and a familiar face on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson is venturing into a new arena by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on the dining landscape in the post-pandemic world, noting that people’s relationships with dining out have evolved significantly. He observed that the pandemic has improved home cooking skills, leading customers to seek unique dining experiences that offer exceptional service and an atmosphere that fosters a sense of community.
He emphasized that dining is now about more than just food; it’s about creating an experience that makes patrons feel part of something special. Furthermore, with the increase in dining options, he predicts that customers will continue to demand quality and novelty.
Samuelsson also delved into what he values in creating his restaurants, such as the importance of community engagement. He mentioned that at Red Rooster, live music enhances the dining experience and supports local musicians, enriching the cultural fabric of Harlem. Similarly, at Hav & Mar, he has integrated an art program that reflects Chelsea’s community, showcasing local art and artists.
On designing his home goods collection with West Elm, Samuelsson shared that his creative journey has always included painting and writing alongside his culinary career. He expressed joy in collaborating with a well-regarded brand that welcomes his ideas, resulting in a collection that fuses inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and prints from Africa.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that he always returns to his first love: cooking. He enjoys all aspects of it, from selecting ingredients at the market to sharing food with his family, feeling confident in his culinary skills even as he continues to learn in other areas.