Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has made a name for himself in the high-pressure world of culinary arts. By 24, he was the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City, making history as the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from The New York Times shortly after.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching popular dining spots such as Red Rooster in Harlem, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. Alongside his restaurant ventures, he has authored cookbooks and memoirs while being a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, Samuelsson is venturing into a new arena with the launch of a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian heritage, Scandinavian roots, and experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson reflected on the evolution of dining out post-pandemic. He noted that while people have become better home cooks, they now crave an enhanced dining experience with excellent service and a vibrant atmosphere. The desire to feel part of a lively environment when dining out has grown stronger, along with increased choices in cuisine.
Samuelsson also highlighted the importance of ambiance in his restaurants such as Red Rooster, which features live music, emphasizing it as an integral part of the Harlem community. He takes pride in supporting local musicians and ensuring each restaurant contributes to the neighborhoods they inhabit, conducting thorough research on each area’s history.
When discussing his new collection with West Elm, he expressed excitement about combining elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden with prints inspired by Africa, all within one cohesive collection. Samuelsson’s diverse creative pursuits span cooking, painting, and writing, but he finds solace in cooking at the end of a busy day, emphasizing his strong command over the culinary arts compared to his other creative endeavors.