Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has always embraced a high-pressure lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary talent had already 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 thereafter.
In the years that followed, Samuelsson established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York. He launched several restaurants, including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has also authored cookbooks and memoirs while maintaining a strong presence on the Food Network.
Samuelsson is now venturing into a new industry. In partnership with West Elm, he is releasing a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed how the pandemic has altered people’s dining habits, his influences in cooking and design, and what lies ahead in his career.
He noted that the pandemic improved home dining experiences, leading to a new generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, when people choose to dine out, they seek not just a meal but also service and an engaging atmosphere. They want to feel a connection to the venue and the community around them.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurants. At Red Rooster in Harlem, for example, he highlights the significance of live music and community connection. He is committed to supporting local musicians, making contributions to the vibrant culture of Harlem.
Additionally, he mentioned that his other establishments, such as Hav & Mar in Chelsea, aim to integrate with their respective communities, focusing on elements like local art contributions.
Regarding his new collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson shared that his creative journey as a chef has always included diverse artistic endeavors such as painting and writing. He explained that his role in restaurant design often involves collaboration with architects, where he incorporates elements that reflect his cultural background.
He expressed pride in the unique aspects of the West Elm collection, which integrates inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and artistic influences from Africa.
Finally, despite his expansion into new creative realms, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his foremost passion. He finds joy in various aspects of cooking, whether it’s shopping for ingredients, teaching his children about food, or simply thinking about culinary creations. While he views his work in writing, painting, and furniture design as a learning process, his confidence in cooking is firmly established.