Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has consistently thrived in a high-pressure environment. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary talent had already earned the title of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, making headlines as the youngest chef to ever receive a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has solidified his reputation as a top restaurateur in New York, with notable establishments such as Red Rooster, which opened in 2010, along with Hav & Mar in 2022 and Metropolis in 2023. An accomplished author of cookbooks and memoirs, he has also been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into a different field by teaming up with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection that draws influence from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on how dining out has evolved since the COVID-19 lockdowns and shared his inspirations within cooking and design.
He noted that the pandemic improved the experience of ordering food for home preparation, fostering a generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, when dining out, patrons now seek not just a meal, but an elevated experience and connection with others.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance at his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster in Harlem, where live music enhances the dining experience and reinforces the restaurant’s community ties. He also highlighted the responsibility he feels towards supporting local musicians.
When discussing his new home goods collection, Samuelsson mentioned that his creative journey has long been multifaceted, encompassing painting, writing, and restaurant design. He expressed pride in collaborating with West Elm, appreciating their openness to his ideas.
Samuelsson took special pride in the design elements of the collection, with influences drawn from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and also incorporating prints inspired by Africa.
Finally, despite his numerous creative pursuits, he remains grounded in his love for cooking, describing it as the core of his professional identity. Cooking provides him with clarity and satisfaction that he seeks after a long, stressful day.