Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is known for his high-pressure lifestyle. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised culinary talent had become the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit, subsequently becoming the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from the New York Times. Over the years, he established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, opening notable venues such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023, along with authoring cookbooks and memoirs and making appearances on the Food Network.
Samuelsson is now venturing into a new industry by launching a 32-piece home goods collection in partnership with West Elm. This collection draws on his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed how the pandemic has influenced people’s dining habits. He observed that the lockdowns improved the experience of ordering food at home, leading to the rise of a new generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, when dining out, customers now seek not just a meal, but an engaging experience that includes great service and an atmospheric setting.
He emphasized the importance of community and ambiance in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster in Harlem, which features live music to enhance the dining experience. Samuelsson values the connection he builds with the local community, ensuring that his establishments contribute positively to their surroundings.
When asked about his inspiration for the home goods collection, Samuelsson pointed out that as a creative professional, his work as a chef has always been complemented by his interests in painting and writing. His collaboration with West Elm has been particularly rewarding, allowing him to blend elements from his heritage into the designs, including materials inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden and prints from Africa.
Ultimately, Samuelsson revealed that after a long day, he consistently returns to cooking, which he views as his true passion, while he continues to explore and develop his skills in other creative areas.