Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is familiar with the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle. By the age of 24, this Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary talent had already achieved the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit and made history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
Since then, Samuelsson has cemented his place in the New York dining scene by opening several popular restaurants, including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has also authored cookbooks and memoirs and has been a prominent figure on the Food Network.
Currently, Samuelsson is venturing into a new realm. In partnership with West Elm, he is launching a 32-piece home goods collection inspired by his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson addressed changes in dining out since the pandemic, sharing insights on consumer behaviors and his inspirations in both cooking and design. He noted that as people honed their cooking skills at home during lockdowns, their expectations for dining out shifted toward seeking exceptional service and a memorable experience.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of the atmosphere in his restaurants, highlighting that the cultural richness of Harlem is key to the experience at Red Rooster, which features live music. He also mentioned that understanding the community’s history is vital before launching a new restaurant.
When asked about his motivations for creating the home goods line, Samuelsson explained that his creative tendencies extend beyond cooking. He has engaged in painting and writing for years and enjoys collaborating during the design process for restaurants. Working with West Elm was a fulfilling experience due to their receptiveness to his ideas.
Among the highlights of this collaboration, Samuelsson expressed pride in blending inspirations from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with African prints, creating a cohesive collection. Despite his diverse creative pursuits, he finds solace in cooking, emphasizing it as his true passion.