Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has led a dynamic career, becoming executive chef of Aquavit in New York City by age 24 and earning a prestigious three-star review from the New York Times soon after. Known for his prominence in the culinary world, Samuelsson opened several restaurants, including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023, and has spent years sharing his expertise on the Food Network and through his cookbooks and memoirs.
In a new venture, Samuelsson is partnering with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, and his life in New York City. In a recent interview, he discussed how the relationship between diners and restaurants has evolved post-COVID-19. He noted that the pandemic improved home cooking, leading diners to seek out elevated dining experiences when they eat out, where they crave not just good food but an engaging atmosphere and community feel.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of community in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster, which uniquely incorporates live music, paying local musicians, to enrich the dining experience. He also mentioned his commitment to being an active part of the neighborhoods where his establishments are located, indicating that he thoroughly researches the community before opening a new business.
Reflecting on his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson shared how his creative background as a chef, painter, and writer influenced his design process. He expressed pride in the collection’s eclectic inspirations, highlighting the blend of elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with prints from Africa, creating a cohesive thematic collection.
Despite his diverse projects, Samuelsson remains grounded in his roots as a chef, finding peace in cooking and continuing his culinary journey, which he feels confident about compared to his artistic pursuits.