Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has had a remarkable career, marked by high-pressure roles and accolades. By the age of 24, this Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had already become the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City and made history as the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching several successful establishments including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his culinary ventures, he has authored cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, he is venturing into a new arena with a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm, blending elements from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage along with influences from New York City life.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson discussed how the dining landscape has evolved post-COVID-19. He noted that the pandemic has elevated people’s expectations when dining out, pushing them to seek unique experiences that emphasize service and atmosphere, alongside great food. He highlighted that diners now crave a sense of community and ambiance when they go out, alongside a greater variety of food options available.
Addressing the atmosphere at Red Rooster, which features live music, Samuelsson emphasized his commitment to integrating the vibrant Harlem community into his restaurant. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and making his establishments contributing spaces within their neighborhoods.
The conversation then shifted to his new collaboration with West Elm. Samuelsson, a long-time painter and writer, shared that his design process was influenced by his experiences as a chef, particularly the collaborative work with architects during the development of his restaurants. He indicated that the partnership with West Elm stands out to him for its openness to creative ideas.
Samuelsson expressed particular pride in the inspirations behind the collection, which reflects both his Swedish roots and African heritage. He also touched upon his enduring passion for cooking, revealing that after a long day, it is the kitchen that brings him the most peace, whether he is shopping for ingredients, cooking at home, or simply contemplating food.