Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has excelled in a high-pressure environment throughout his career. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had become the executive chef of New York City’s acclaimed restaurant Aquavit and soon after received the distinction of being the youngest to earn a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent restaurateur in New York, launching several successful eateries including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also an accomplished author of cookbooks and memoirs and a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new field. He is teaming up with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences living in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson reflected on the evolving dining landscape in 2024 and discussed his culinary inspirations and future plans.
When asked about changes in people’s attitudes towards dining out post-COVID-19, he observed two significant shifts. Firstly, the pandemic improved the quality of food that can be ordered for home delivery, cultivating a new generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, patrons now seek more than just food when dining out; they desire exceptional service and a memorable atmosphere, feeling part of a social experience.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly noting Red Rooster’s vibrant atmosphere that incorporates live music, which he believes is essential to the Harlem community. He is committed to ensuring that his restaurants contribute positively to their neighborhoods, conducting thorough research on local history before opening.
He also spoke about his collaboration with West Elm, expressing pride in designing the home goods collection. He mentioned that the project allowed him to combine his passion for creativity. Samuelsson, who has been painting since his late teens, found the partnership with West Elm rewarding due to their openness to his ideas.
Regarding the collection, Samuelsson shared that many pieces were inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, while also integrating African patterns, creating a unique fusion in the collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, including painting and writing, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his true passion. He described it as his area of expertise, noting that he feels like a novice in other artistic fields but is confident and accomplished in the culinary realm.