Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has carved out a distinguished career under the pressures of the culinary world. By the age of 24, he had already become the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit and made headlines as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times.
In recent news, McDonald’s is grappling with its first lawsuit linked to an E. coli outbreak associated with its Quarter Pounder.
Over the years, Samuelsson has emerged as a leading figure in New York’s restaurant scene, opening several establishments, including Red Rooster in 2010 and Metropolis in 2023. He is also an accomplished author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Samuelsson is now branching out into a new field with the launch of a 32-piece home goods collection in collaboration with West Elm. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson reflected on the shifts in dining habits post-COVID-19. He noted that while the pandemic improved home dining experiences, patrons now crave a unique atmosphere when eating out, valuing excellent service and a vibrant environment.
He highlighted the importance of community in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster, where live music plays a key role in creating an inviting atmosphere. Samuelsson also mentioned his commitment to supporting local musicians.
Regarding his partnership with West Elm, he expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing how elements from his Swedish heritage influenced the design. He described the partnership as an enriching experience that allowed him to merge different cultural inspirations into a single collection.
Despite his ventures into painting and writing, Samuelsson confirmed that cooking remains his primary focus and passion, signifying a return to his roots at the end of a long day.