Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is well-known for managing a demanding career. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary expert became the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, making history as the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent restaurateur in New York, with ventures including Red Rooster, which opened in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored cookbooks and memoirs, and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
Now, as a husband and father, Samuelsson is venturing into a new realm of business. He is collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage as well as his life in New York City.
In an interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolving dynamics of dining out in 2024, his culinary inspirations, and his future plans. This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Samuelsson reflected on how people’s relationships with dining out have transformed since the pandemic, noting that customers now expect elevated service and memorable experiences when they go out. He emphasized the importance of community and live music in enhancing the dining atmosphere at his establishments like Red Rooster.
He also touched on the need for restaurants to integrate with their neighborhoods, conducting research about the communities they inhabit. This approach is evident in his concept for Hav & Mar, which includes an art program reflecting Chelsea’s vibrant culture.
When asked about his new direction with the home goods collection for West Elm, Samuelsson expressed that creativity has always been central to his life. He enjoys collaborating with established partners while incorporating personal elements, like the wood and design inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, alongside African-inspired prints.
Despite his diverse pursuits in painting, writing, and now furniture design, Samuelsson shared that cooking remains his true passion. He finds joy in all aspects of cooking, from shopping at the market to teaching his children about food, signifying his strong connection to the culinary arts.