Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for his high-pressure career, quickly made a name for himself in the culinary world. By 24, he had become the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit and was the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times. Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent restaurateur with the opening of Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023, alongside writing cookbooks and appearing on the Food Network.
In a new venture, Samuelsson is launching a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm, drawing inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian roots as well as his experiences in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed how people’s dining habits have evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the pandemic improved the experience of ordering food to go, leading to a rise in home cooking. As a result, diners now expect outstanding service and a unique dining experience when they eat out, seeking to feel part of a lively community atmosphere.
Talking about the ambiance of his restaurant Red Rooster, he highlighted the importance of live music and community ties. He emphasized the goal of reflecting Harlem’s vibrant culture in the restaurant and mentioned the significance of supporting local musicians.
Samuelsson also shared insights on his new home goods collection, explaining that his background as a chef and his years of painting and writing influenced his design process. He expressed pride in the collaboration with West Elm, which allowed him to merge elements from his heritage, featuring bright woods reminiscent of his father’s fishing village in Sweden along with African prints.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that he always returns to cooking as his true passion. He described cooking as a familiar art, where he feels confident and established, while he continues to learn and develop in other creative fields like writing and painting.