Samuelsson and Montreal’s Marcus Restaurant + Terrace.
For some, Atlanta is the urban music center of the world. For others, it is the Hollywood of the South. To Manager Marcus SamuelssonThe Dixie metropolis is a vibrant culinary stronghold that lacked his personal stamp.
“I think it’s important to respect every city,” says Samuelsson, who opened Atlanta’s Marcus Bar & Grille, in March 2023. “Otherwise, don’t worry. Atlanta has its own cuisine, its own history. It is the largest city [in the South] and such a unifying city, especially for people of color in terms of the incredible universities and everything it has to offer in terms of culture.”
The Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised talent now runs successful restaurants around the globe Harlem to East Africa. “When we decide to go somewhere, my ‘why’ is very different than other people’s ‘why’,” says Samuelsson. “But as a person of color, I know I have a responsibility and I take it with me.”
The best-selling creator, TV personality and James Beard winner is bringing his love of cooking to upstate New York Catskill Kitchen from May tenth to twelfth. There he’ll enjoy an unforgettable multi-course experience together with his long-time friend and chef Scott Conant. In the next chat, Samuelsson tells us about their connection, the common thread between his restaurants and the crucial role music plays in them.
The Bahamas is a well-liked vacation destination for Samuelsson’s family.
Where on this planet are you?
New York.
How does New York treat you today?
Always good, man. You need to get it in New York. You need to make your personal shot.
I used to be in your Instagram recently and saw you and your loved ones out on the water near a beach. Where have you ever been?
A couple of days ago we were in Sag Harbor [on Long Island]. But two weeks ago we went on a cruise. I cooked on a cruise and took the entire family to the Caribbean.
Did you could have a superb time whenever you weren’t working?
That’s one in every of the fun things about kids. They accompany me to so a lot of these events. My son has been to so many various countries and he all the time leaves some form of memory behind, be it food related or the experience. I believe his favorite [destination] Is The Bahamas. We often go there or to Jamaica. I might say each of them.
How do you address the “work hard, play hard” balancing act?
I like working. I actually benefit from the craftsmanship, coping with my team, the creative challenges and the financial challenges. I just like the challenges, what it means to be in business and the opportunities. It’s literally what we make of it. Let’s start. I enjoy this process. But as soon as I’m on my way home it has to go. With a two and 7 yr old there isn’t any selection. You need to be fully involved. But that is also fun. [My son] Zion enjoys swimming and cycling and I used to be capable of sustain with him. And each time I believe I actually have it found out, he’s [moved on to something else]. I taught him to swim just a few years ago. Now he desires to make butterflies. I do not know learn how to do that. There’s all the time an itch that keeps you in your toes.
Prepare for a superb time at Catskill Cuisine.
What interested you about Catskill Cuisine?
It’s upstate. As a New Yorker, you sometimes forget how breathtaking and exquisite it’s just just a few hours north. [Nearby] Woodstock is such a historic place. We consider the music scene, in fact, but additionally the food [perspective]. If you drive just an hour or two north of New York, you will find the Hudson Valley. It’s simply breathtaking. I grew up with a number of forests and a number of foraging. I’m all the time reminded of that [that a similar setting is] only two hours away, especially where we go on vacation [Catskill Cuisine] Demos. It’s exactly where the Woodstock music festival was held 50, 56 years ago. This is an incredible place. And in order that we cook there, get entangled there [is amazing].
My friends like Scott Conant are there too. We’ve been friends eternally. Anne Burrell, Melba Wilson and Andrew Zimmern [will be there as well]. And we do it with Resorts World, a terrific host. There are so many explanation why it’s such a special place. It’s okay to be a tourist in your personal state.
You mentioned Scott Conant. What makes him such a special chef?
Scott is sort of a brother to me. We showed up in New York at the identical time. From a young age he had incredible restaurants there: L’Impero, Scarpetta, to call just a few. Seeing him evolve and change into such an incredible American chef [is great]. We were two young people growing up in the town with all of the ups and downs. Being here 25 years later, sharing the stage [is incredible]. That’s probably what I share with all these people -[Geoffrey] Zakarian, Anne, Melba. Melba is one in every of the principal reasons I’m in Harlem. I believe it is the work ethic, the camaraderie and all of the ups and downs. Think about it. We were within the food business when 9/11 happened. When the financial crisis hit in 2008, we were within the food industry. We needed to navigate the pandemic. So much has happened culturally. We’re still here and I believe we’re celebrating that. When we see one another, sometimes we do not even say anything – we just laugh – because I do know what we have been through.
You’ve already mentioned music just a few times. If you would put together your dream concert and provides me three or 4 acts, living or dead, who can be at your show?
Oh, that is easy. I might let Prince close it. Michael Jackson can be in there. David Bowie might be there. And oh wow, just Whitney Houston’s voice. I can hearken to that eternally. And throw in some gap band.
Oh, so the late ’70s and ’80s are your wheelhouse?
No, I like music. I just love music generally. There’s actually no era I like more. I just like the creativity. In fact, I’m so impressed with Beyoncé’s country album. The homework she did, just the reference points and the whole lot. Not only is the music incredible; it’s the past, present and future.
Since I used to be a toddler, I actually have all the time been inspired by musicians. It may very well be Bob Marley or whatever. I feel like relating to food, I’m in my very own head. I don’t need to have a look at other people a lot [for ideas]. Music was the outlet.
Be it the music, the look or the atmosphere, tell me the things that connect all of your restaurants.
I might say people’s love because I believe concerning the customers, what we are saying and the way we would like to share them [the experience] with the shoppers. The staff that is an element of the restaurant also makes it special. And then the salespeople that you simply as a customer don’t normally see. The providers are a big a part of the community. These three areas are special to me. I actually have respect and love for all three. Without the vendors we will not cook.
And then the flexibility to inform a story [is important]. At [New York City’s] Hav & Marwe are able to discuss female leadership, and Derrick Adams is doing his thing with the humanities program.
metropolis sits on the land where 9/11 happened. This is a really special place for me. It tells a story about New York City.
red rooster is the epicenter for Black comfort food where families come together. And on Sundays I would like to hearken to gospel or jazz there.
And [New Jersey’s] Marcus it’s all about comfort with that certain something. It’s within the neighborhood. It’s from the neighborhood. And it’s familiar. It’s very familiar.
What does the remainder of 2024 appear like for you?
All I do know is that I had my hands full in May. It’s definitely going to be fun with the Catskill food festival. It’s really about watching the team grow. And not only my team, but additionally the people I do know who’ve personal goals and are watching them grow. I’m very happy with that. We have just a few more great projects coming up that I can not say anything about yet, but ’24 and ’25 are going to be fun. I’ll keep it creative and delicious.
More from Forbes
