Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has long been accustomed to a demanding lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary expert had already achieved the position of executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, becoming the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly after.
Through the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent restaurateur in New York, launching several notable establishments, including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored multiple cookbooks and memoirs and remains a familiar face on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson is venturing into a new arena by collaborating with West Elm to introduce a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent conversation with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on the evolution of dining habits since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the pandemic improved the home dining experience, leading to a new generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, diners now seek enhanced service and a vibrant atmosphere when dining out, desiring a sense of community and connection with others.
When discussing his restaurants, Samuelsson emphasized the importance of factors beyond just food, such as the ambiance and community. At Red Rooster, for instance, the integration of live music not only enhances the dining experience but also supports local musicians. Similarly, at Hav & Mar in Chelsea, he aims to connect with the local community through art and programming.
Samuelsson expressed his passion for creating and collaborating, which inspired him to design the home goods collection with West Elm. He described the collaboration as fulfilling, allowing him to blend elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with vibrant African prints to create a cohesive collection.
Despite his numerous creative pursuits, cooking remains Samuelsson’s true passion. He finds comfort in various aspects of cooking, whether it involves shopping for ingredients, discussing food with his children, or simply thinking about meals. He feels confident in his culinary abilities, noting that while he is still exploring writing, painting, and design, cooking is where he truly excels.