Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has navigated a demanding career, becoming the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit by the age of 24 and earning the distinction of being the youngest to receive a three-star review from the New York Times. Over the years, he has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his culinary ventures, Samuelsson has authored cookbooks and memoirs and appeared frequently on the Food Network.
Now, the husband and father is venturing into a new arena: in partnership with West Elm, he is introducing a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his New York life.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining out since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the lockdowns improved home dining experiences, which have increased expectations for restaurant experiences, pushing diners to seek out higher levels of service and a sense of community. He believes customers now desire an immersive experience when dining out, wanting to feel a part of something bigger.
Speaking about the atmosphere at Red Rooster, which features live music, Samuelsson emphasized how integral the Harlem community is to the restaurant’s identity. He highlighted the importance of contributing to the local vibe and supporting musicians from the area. He applies the same community-focused approach to his Chelsea restaurant, Hav & Mar, integrating art into the dining experience.
Samuelsson explained that his decision to design a home goods collection stemmed from his creative nature. Beyond his culinary career, he has pursued painting and writing since his teens. His experience as a chef has involved collaboration with architects and an awareness of aesthetics, which translated well into his work with West Elm. He expressed pride in the collection’s design, which reflects his Swedish roots and utilizes prints from Africa.
Ultimately, when faced with a long, stressful day, Samuelsson finds solace in cooking. Unlike his other creative pursuits, he feels a strong sense of clarity and purpose in the kitchen, demonstrating his enduring passion for culinary art.