Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is a prominent figure in the high-pressure culinary world. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised chef had already become the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit and earned the distinction of being the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York. He opened several successful establishments, including Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. Additionally, he is a celebrated author of cookbooks and memoirs and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
In a new venture, Samuelsson is collaborating with West Elm to launch a 32-piece home goods collection, drawing inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage along with his experiences in New York City.
In an interview, Samuelsson shared insights on the evolution of dining out since the COVID-19 lockdowns. He noted that while people have become more skilled at cooking at home, they now seek elevated dining experiences when they go out. He emphasized the desire for a sense of community and exceptional service in restaurants.
When discussing the ambiance at Red Rooster, Samuelsson highlighted the importance of capturing the essence of Harlem, incorporating live music, and contributing to the local artist community. He expressed his commitment to understanding the neighborhood’s history before launching his restaurants.
As he embarks on the home goods collection with West Elm, Samuelsson reflected on his lifelong passion for creativity, which includes painting and writing in addition to cooking. He emphasized how his background as a chef has influenced his design process, showcasing a synergy between his culinary and artistic endeavors.
Among the aspects of the collaboration that Samuelsson takes pride in are the incorporation of designs inspired by his father’s fishing village in Sweden, alongside prints from Africa, all within a singular collection.
Despite his varied artistic pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his primary passion and the aspect of his life where he feels most accomplished, as it continues to be a driving force behind his creativity.