Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-acquainted with handling the pressures of the culinary world. By age 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef had already become the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit and made history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established a reputation as one of New York’s leading restaurateurs, opening notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a prolific author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a regular presence on the Food Network.
In a new venture, Samuelsson is partnering with West Elm to introduce a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage as well as his experiences in New York.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson shared his thoughts on the evolution of dining out in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the pandemic improved the experience of ordering food for home, fostering a new generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, when people choose to dine out, they seek more than just food; they desire exceptional service and an engaging atmosphere.
Samuelsson highlighted that patrons now look for a deeper connection when dining out, wanting to feel like part of a community. With more dining options available, he believes the quality of choices will only improve over time.
Discussing his Harlem restaurant, Red Rooster, he emphasized the importance of its community atmosphere, including live music, which adds to the dining experience. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and integrating community elements into his restaurants, such as art programs at Hav & Mar in Chelsea that resonate with the neighborhood’s character.
Samuelsson revealed that his foray into home goods design with West Elm stemmed from his creative passions, which extend beyond cooking. Having engaged in painting and writing for many years, he finds parallels between designing restaurants and creating home goods. The collaboration with West Elm has been particularly rewarding due to their openness to his creative ideas.
He takes pride in the inspiration behind the collection, which features bright woods reminiscent of his father’s fishing village in Sweden combined with African prints, creating a cohesive design narrative.
Despite his numerous creative outlets, Samuelsson always returns to cooking at the end of a demanding day, finding joy in all aspects of the culinary process, from shopping for ingredients to sharing meals with his family. He feels confident in his culinary skills, viewing his endeavors in writing, painting, and furniture design as works in progress.