Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is renowned for his high-pressure lifestyle and impressive accomplishments. By the age of 24, he had become the executive chef at Aquavit in New York City and made history as the youngest chef to earn a three-star review from The New York Times.
Over the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a prominent figure in the New York dining scene, opening notable restaurants such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. His influence extends to writing cookbooks and memoirs, as well as being a familiar face on the Food Network.
Recently, Samuelsson has ventured into a new area: a home goods collection in partnership with West Elm. This 32-piece line draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his experiences in New York.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining out in the aftermath of COVID-19. He noted that the pandemic has enhanced the home cooking experience, prompting diners to seek elevated service and a vibrant atmosphere when they go out.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of community ties in his restaurants, particularly highlighting Red Rooster’s connection to Harlem through live music. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and ensuring that his establishments contribute positively to their neighborhoods.
When discussing his collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson explained that his creative background as a chef parallels his work in design. He has been involved in artistic endeavors since adolescence, and this partnership allowed him to merge his culinary sensibility with furniture design.
Samuelsson is particularly proud of the collection’s integration of elements from his father’s fishing village in Sweden and prints from Africa, all cohesively tied into one collection.
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, he revealed that cooking remains his true passion and primary focus, stating that he is confident in his culinary skills while still developing in other artistic areas.