Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is known for his high-pressure lifestyle, having risen to the position of executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit by the age of 24. He made history as the youngest recipient of 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, opening notable establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. In addition to his restaurants, he has authored cookbooks, penned memoirs, and made numerous appearances on the Food Network.
Samuelsson is now venturing into a new domain. He is collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian roots as well as his experiences in New York City.
In a recent interview, Samuelsson shared insights about the evolution of dining out in a post-COVID-19 world. He noted that the pandemic enhanced the at-home dining experience, resulting in a new generation of skilled home cooks. Consequently, diners now seek an elevated experience when dining out, craving great service and a vibrant atmosphere that makes them feel part of a larger community.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance at his restaurant Red Rooster, particularly the incorporation of live music to celebrate Harlem’s rich culture. He believes a restaurant should reflect its community, showcasing local talent and contributing to its vibrancy.
Discussing his home goods collection design process with West Elm, Samuelsson described himself as a lifelong creative who has painted since his youth and values collaboration. He took pride in incorporating elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African prints into the collection.
Despite his diverse interests, Sammyuelsson returns to cooking as his primary passion. Whether shopping for ingredients, teaching his children about food, or experimenting in the kitchen, he feels most confident in his culinary skills, describing his journey in other creative fields as still in its early stages.