Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, known for his high-pressure culinary career, is venturing into a new industry. By the age of 24, Samuelsson had already made a name for himself as the executive chef of New York City’s Aquavit, becoming the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from the New York Times soon after.
Throughout the years, Samuelsson has established himself as a leading restaurateur in New York, founding notable restaurants such as Red Rooster in 2010, Hav & Mar in 2022, and Metropolis in 2023. He has authored cookbooks, written memoirs, and has been a familiar face on the Food Network.
In an exciting new collaboration with West Elm, Samuelsson is set to launch a 32-piece home goods collection that draws inspiration from his Ethiopian and Scandinavian heritage, as well as his life in New York.
In a recent interview with Quartz, Samuelsson discussed the evolution of dining experiences since the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the pandemic improved home dining experiences, leading to a generation of skilled home cooks. As a result, customers now seek elevated dining experiences that offer exceptional service and a sense of community.
Samuelsson emphasized the importance of ambiance in his restaurants, particularly with live music at Red Rooster, which reflects the vibrant Harlem community. He also highlighted community engagement as essential when developing his restaurants, noting the need to understand and contribute to local neighborhoods.
His transition into designing home goods for West Elm was inspired by his creative background, which includes painting and writing. Samuelsson expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, appreciating West Elm’s openness to his ideas while allowing him to create a collection that combines elements from his Swedish and African backgrounds.
Despite exploring various creative avenues, Samuelsson remains devoted to cooking, saying it continues to be his primary passion and focus amid his other pursuits.