Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson has long thrived in high-pressure environments. By the age of 24, the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised culinary talent had already become the executive chef at New York City’s Aquavit, making history as the youngest recipient of a three-star review from the New York Times shortly thereafter.
In the years following, Samuelsson established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, launching establishments such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He is also a prolific author of 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 field. He has partnered with West Elm to launch a 32-piece collection of home goods that draw inspiration from his Scandinavian and Ethiopian heritage, as well as his life in New York City.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining out since the COVID-19 lockdowns, his culinary inspirations, and his future plans.
Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, Samuelsson noted that people have become better home cooks and have higher expectations for dining out experiences. Restaurant-goers now seek exceptional service and a sense of community, wanting to feel part of something special.
Samuelsson highlighted the vibrant ambiance at Red Rooster in Harlem, noting the importance of live music and community connections. He expressed pride in supporting local musicians and ensuring that each restaurant he creates reflects its neighborhood’s unique culture.
Talking about his new home goods collection, Samuelsson emphasized his creative background, which includes painting and writing. He described the collaboration with West Elm as fulfilling, as it allowed him to merge his creative visions with an established partner.
He shared that the collection’s design features elements from both his father’s fishing village in Sweden and prints inspired by Africa, showcasing a blend of his diverse influences.
Despite his varied creative pursuits, Samuelsson revealed that cooking remains his true passion and comfort, whether he’s shopping at the market, teaching his children about food, or simply contemplating culinary ideas.