Samuelsson and Marcus Restaurant + Terrace in Montreal.
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal/Matt Dutil
For some, Atlanta is the urban music capital of the world. For others, it's the Hollywood of the South. For chef Marcus Samuelsson, the Dixie metropolis is a vibrant culinary hotbed that lacked his personal signature.
“I think it's important to respect each city,” said Samuelson, who opened Marcus Bar & Grill in Atlanta in March 2023. Atlanta has its own cuisine, its own history.it is the largest city [in the South] And it's a city that brings it all together in terms of great universities and culture, especially for people of color. ”
The Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised talent now runs successful restaurants around the world, from Harlem to East Africa. “When we decide to go somewhere, my 'why' is very different from someone else's 'why,'” Samuelson says. “But as a person of color again, I know that I have a responsibility and I take it on.”
The best-selling author, television personality, and James Beard Award-winning talk show will share his love of cooking at Catskill Cuisine in upstate New York from May 10-12. There, he pairs up with his longtime friend and chef Scott Conant for a memorable multi-cuisine experience. -Course experience. In the following chat, Samuelsson talks about their bond, the commonalities between his restaurants, and the important role music plays in it all.
The Bahamas is a favorite vacation destination for the Samuelson family.
iStock-Majiba
Where on earth are you?
new york.
How is it in New York today?
I'm always fine, dude. In New York, you have to go get it. You have to make your own shots.
I was checking your Instagram recently and saw you and your family by the water near the beach. Where were you?
A few days ago we were in Sag Harbor [on Long Island]. But two weeks ago we were on a cruise. I took my whole family to the Caribbean because I was cooking on a cruise.
Did you enjoy your time outside of work?
That's one of the fun things to do with children. They come with me to many of these events. My son has been to so many different countries and always creates memories in some way when it comes to food and experiences.I think it's his favorite [destination] It's the Bahamas. We often go there or to Jamaica. I think those are the two.
How do you balance “work hard and play hard”?
I love working. I really enjoy the craftsmanship, working with the team, the creative challenges, and the financial challenges. I like the challenge, what it means to be in business, and the opportunity. It's literally what we make of it. Well, let's go with that. I'm enjoying the process. But the moment I get home, it has to go away. With a 2 year old and a 7 year old, you don't have a choice. You have to put everything in there. But it's also fun. [My son] Zion likes swimming and biking, and I had to keep up with him on that.And every time I thought I got it, he said [moved on to something else]. I taught him to swim a few years ago. Now he wants to play butterfly. I don't know how. He has an itch that bothers him all the time.
Get ready to have some fun at Catskill Cuisine.
corey finger bennett
What drew you to Catskills cuisine?
It's upstate. New Yorkers sometimes forget just how amazing and beautiful this city is just a few hours north. [Nearby] Woodstock is a very historic place.I think about the music scene as well as food. [perspective]. A 1-2 hour drive north of New York is the Hudson Valley. It's just amazing. I grew up with a lot of forest and food.I always remember [that a similar setting is] Only two hours away, especially where we operate. [Catskill Cuisine] demo. This is where the Woodstock Music Festival was held 50, 56 years ago. This is an incredible place.And engage there for us to cook there [is amazing].
Some of my friends are there, like Scott Conant. we'll be friends forever.Ann Burrell, Melba Wilson, Andrew Zimmern [will be there as well]. And we're working with Resorts World, who are amazing hosts. There are many reasons why this is a special place. It's okay to be a tourist in your own state.
You mentioned Scott Conant. What makes him such a special chef?
Scott is like a brother to me. We came to New York at the same time. He ran a great restaurant from an early age. Limpero, Scarpetta, just to name a few.To see him evolve into such a great American chef. [is great]. We were two young people coming to a city with many ups and downs. To be still here 25 years later and still be able to share the stage. [is incredible]. Perhaps that's what I share with all of these people–[Geoffrey] Zakarian, Ann, and Melba. Melba is a big reason why I'm in Harlem. I think it's all about the work ethic, the camaraderie, and the ups and downs. please think about it. We were in food when 9/11 happened. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, we were struggling with food insecurity. We had to get through the pandemic. A lot has happened culturally. We're still here and I think we're celebrating that. When we see each other, sometimes we don't say anything and just laugh. Because we know what we've been through.
You've brought up music a few times. If you were to organize your dream concert, tell me 3-4 acts, dead or alive, who would come to your show?
Ah, that's easy. Ask Prince to close it. Michael Jackson will be there too. David Bowie will be there too. And lo and behold, it's just Whitney Houston's voice. It sounds like forever. And throw in a gap band.
Oh, so the late 70s and 80s are your wheelhouse?
No, I love music. I love music in general. There's really no era I love more. I like creativity. I'm also very impressed with Beyoncé's country album. The homework she did is reference points and all. It's not just the music that's great. It is past, present and future.
Ever since I was a kid, I always went to musicians for inspiration. Bob Marley or whatever. I feel like I'm in my own head when it comes to food.I don't really want to see other people [for ideas]. Music was that outlet.
What unites all your restaurants: the music, the look, the atmosphere?
It's a love for people because we think about our customers, what we want to say, and how we want to share it. [the experience] Together with our customers. Also, the restaurant staff is what makes the restaurant special. Also, there are vendors that you, our customers, don't normally see. Vendors are a big part of the community. These three areas are special to me. I respect and love all three of them. Without vendors, we can't cook.
and be able to tell a story [is important].in [New York City’s] Have & Mar, we can talk about women's leadership, and we have Derrick Adams in the arts program.
Metropolis is located on the land where 9/11 happened. It's a very special place for me. It's a story about New York City.
Red Rooster is a Black home-cooked hub where families gather. And on Sundays, I'd like to listen to gospel or jazz there.
and [New Jersey’s] Marcus is all about comfort with a twist. It's in my neighborhood. It's from the neighborhood. And it's familiar. Sounds very familiar.
What does the rest of 2024 hold for you?
All I know is that May had its hands full. The Catskills food festival is sure to be a lot of fun. All that really matters is watching the team grow. And not only my team, but the individuals I know have personal goals and I watch them grow. I'm very proud of that. I have some other fun projects coming up that I can't talk about yet, but 24 and 25 are going to be fun. Stay creative, stay delicious.
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