Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had achieved the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest person ever to receive a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has gained recognition as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching successful establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a noted author and has been a familiar face on the Food Network for many years.
In an exciting new venture, Samuelsson is collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection, drawing inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared insights about the current dining landscape, his culinary inspirations, and his future endeavors. He discussed how the pandemic has altered the relationship people have with dining out, noting an increased appreciation for service and atmosphere, as well as a growing number of dining options.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of community in his restaurants, particularly highlighting the atmosphere at Red Rooster in Harlem, which incorporates live music and pays musicians from the local community. He also stressed the significance of understanding and contributing to the neighborhoods where his restaurants reside.
Regarding his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson expressed his creative side as a driving force behind the collection. He sees parallels between designing home goods and crafting restaurant environments, describing the partnership as a rewarding experience that allowed him to blend various influences into a cohesive design.
As a multifaceted artist, he remains passionate about cooking, stating that it is the one aspect of his career where he feels fully confident and accomplished, continually diving into the culinary world through various activities, from shopping for ingredients to teaching his children about food.