Marcus Samuelsson

Marcus Samuelsson is an internationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and author. His Ethiopian heritage and Swedish upbringing deeply influenced his innovative approach to cooking and dedication to multicultural flavors. Samuelsson's culinary journey began in Gothenburg, inspired by his grandmother's traditional Swedish recipes, which led him to the Culinary Institute in Gothenburg for formal training.

At just 24 years old, Samuelsson earned a three-star review from The New York Times as the executive chef at Aquavit, an acclaimed Scandinavian restaurant in New York City. This achievement marked him as a promising figure in the culinary world. His unique culinary style, blending international ingredients with classic techniques, is a testament to his Ethiopian roots, Swedish upbringing, and diverse culinary influences.

In 2010, Samuelsson opened Red Rooster in Harlem, a restaurant that quickly became a community institution, authentically celebrating African American cuisine's cultural heritage and history. In addition to Red Rooster, his other restaurant ventures include Streetbird in Harlem, Marcus at MGM National Harbor, Marcus in Montreal, and most recently, Metropolis inside the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City in the fall of 2023. Each of his restaurants emphasizes local ingredients, culture, and heritage, reflecting his belief in food as a unifying force.

Samuelsson hosts "No Passport Required" and has made numerous appearances on popular cooking shows such as "Top Chef Masters" and "Chopped. " He has won several shows, including "Top Chef Masters" in early 2010 and "Chopped All Stars 2012: Judges Remix." Additionally, he has been bestowed with the James Beard Foundation award for "Rising Star Chef," "Best Chef in New York City," and "Outstanding Personality/Host."

A published author, Samuelsson's works include "Yes, Chef: A Memoir," co-written with Veronica Chambers, which won the James Beard Foundation award for Writing and Literature related to food, and "The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food." His book "The Soul of a New Cuisine" was awarded "Best International Cookbook" by the James Beard Foundation and has been highlighted by Food & Wine magazine as a powerful testament to Black food culture.

Samuelsson also serves on City Harvest's board of directors, co-chairs the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) board, and has been the executive chef-in-residence for BuzzFeed's Tasty video series since August 2018. Beyond his culinary achievements, Samuelsson is dedicated to social causes and actively supports organizations that address food scarcity and promote community development. He advocates for diversity in the culinary world, inspiring a new generation of chefs to honor their roots and innovate with global flavors.