Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is known for thriving in high-pressure environments. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born chef who grew up in Sweden was already the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City. He soon made history by becoming the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from The New York Times.
In the years following, Samuelsson established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, founding notable restaurants like Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored several cookbooks and memoirs and has been a long-term presence on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into a new arena by collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection. This collection draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage as well as his life in New York.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson explored the evolving dining landscape post-pandemic, noting that individuals now seek exceptional dining experiences that go beyond just food. He believes that the time spent during the pandemic has cultivated a new generation of skilled home cooks, making dining out a more significant outing centered on atmosphere and community.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly at Red Rooster in Harlem, blending live music into the dining experience. He takes pride in his commitment to local musicians, highlighting how the community shapes the restaurant’s identity. At Hav & Mar, Samuelsson wants to reflect Chelsea’s artistic culture through collaborations with local artists.
As for his new home goods collection, Samuelsson described his creative journey as intertwined with his work as a chef. He has been involved in art and writing for years, and the process of designing this collection felt familiar. He values the partnership with West Elm, which allowed for a collaborative approach to bring his visions to life.
When asked about the aspect of this collaboration that he finds most fulfilling, Samuelsson referenced the incorporation of design elements inspired by both his father’s fishing village in Sweden and African motifs, all unified in one cohesive collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, cooking remains Samuelsson’s ultimate passion. He continues to find joy in every cooking-related activity, asserting that cooking is where he feels most established and confident.