Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has continuously navigated a demanding lifestyle. By the age of 24, this Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary expert became the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit, subsequently making history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, he has established himself as one of New York’s leading restaurateurs, launching popular venues like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. Samuelsson is also a published author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new industry with the launch of a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm, drawing on inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson discussed the evolving dining landscape post-COVID-19, noting that the pandemic enhanced the home-cooking skills of many, raising expectations for dining out experiences. He emphasized the desire for more than just food when dining out; patrons now seek an atmosphere of service and community.
The ambiance at his restaurant, Red Rooster in Harlem, is enhanced by live music, which Samuelsson believes reflects the vibrant community. He also highlighted the importance of giving back to local musicians. His other venue, Hav & Mar, integrates an art program to engage with the Chelsea community.
Samuelsson shared insights about his new venture with West Elm, expressing that being a chef isn’t the sole focus of his creativity. His experience in restaurant design, along with his long-standing passion for painting and writing, contributed to this collaboration. He relished the partnership with West Elm, appreciating their openness to his ideas.
He finds pride in the collection’s design, which features elements inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints, all unified in one cohesive collection. Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson always returns to cooking as his true passion, feeling confident and at home in the kitchen.