Skip to main content

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson on Harlem, the Kitchen, and Kevin Love

When chef Marcus Samuelsson opened Red Rooster with his partner Andrew Chapman in Harlem in 2010, he said they did it for one main reason: to engage with and learn from the Harlem community.

“For me, [Red Rooster] is something that represents Harlem today that also honors Harlem of the past in the most delicious way,” he says.

chef marcus samuelsson
Lars Niki/Getty Images

In the eight years since it’s safe to say they’ve been able to accomplish that and more. In that time, not only has he helped open more restaurants, but he’s achieved the status of superstar celebrity chef, working with everyone from the late Anthony Bourdain on Parts Unknown to hosting a state dinner for President Barack Obama. In July 2018, Samuelsson’s six-part travel series No Passport Required premiered on PBS.

Recommended Videos

“I don’t think I’ve ever left the kitchen. That’s where my creativity comes from.” – Samuelsson

Basically, he’s been a bit busy in the best way, evolving into new iterations of himself that have allowed Samuelsson to not only become more invested in the community he calls home, but the world at large. During this time, he says, they’ve worked constantly to add value to the Harlem community. It isn’t always easy — it takes a lot of work day in and day out from scores of people — but it is something Samuelsson says he’s proud to have accomplished.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson Michael Kovac/Getty Images

“I will do whatever it takes to do that,” he says. “It’s a massive community engagement. Sometimes I have to be out there in the world with a big speaker on and sometimes I can sit next to what’s going on and just watch it and then sometimes I have to be in the kitchen. I’ll put on whatever hat I need to as long as it’s for Harlem and for Red Rooster. That’s completely different than when I cooked in midtown, cooking for the 1 percent.”

Even though he isn’t always in the kitchen physically any longer, Samuelsson says he’s still always there.

“I don’t think I’ve ever left the kitchen. That’s where my creativity comes from. I have a back of the house view on almost anything. That will always be my view. It’s something that allows you to do much more.”

One of the things that it has allowed him to do in recent months is partner with NBA star Kevin Love and the Banana Republic for an ad about a new collaboration between the two, the BR/K. LOVE-18 Collection. In the ad, Samuelsson calls Love while he’s putting the finishing touches on his outfit to question why Love would order off-menu during a recent visit to Red Rooster.

As a huge basketball fan (and someone who views his own team much like a coach of a sports team would), Samuelsson says he was overjoyed that his cooking got him to a point where he’d get to work with Love.

“Did I ever think that cooking would allow me to do something with Kevin Love and the Banana Republic? Absolutely not, but I love the fact that we’ve come to this point to celebrate that moment.”

The mindsets of both Red Rooster and Love line up for Samuelsson, too.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

“We take a lot of pride in our style at Red Rooster, just as Kevin takes a lot of pride in his style.”

The 52-piece collection retails at a variety of price points, from $14.50 for accessories up to a leather biker jacket, which goes for $548. The collection is available in select Banana Republic stores and also includes a varsity jacket, motion-stretch suit separates, fitted corduroy trousers, refined topcoats, cozy sweaters, classic accessories, and camo detailing.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
The 6 best Keurig coffee makers after making countless cups of coffee
Check out this list to find your next coffee machine
A blue Keurig K-Classic Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker placed on a kitchen countertop with plants nearby

If you're a coffee drinker, or even if you're not, you've had to have heard of the single-serve pod-cased coffee system Keurig by now. The system took the world by storm almost three decades ago and never looked back. Whether you're interested in joining team Keurig or have been a long-time Keurig fan, now there's a Keurig for every type of coffee drinker

The thing is, there are a staggering number of Keurig models to choose from, so being confident you've found the best one can be tough. Choosing from a list of the best Keurig coffee makers will make it easier to enjoy a stellar cup of joe every morning. Here are some of our favorite Keurig models to help you narrow down your options in 2025.

Read more
Dogfish Head toasts Deadheads with new beer
An ale for Casey Jones
dogfish head grateful dead beer pale ale

Major players in craft beer and music are celebrating by way of a collaboration. Dogfish Head Brewery has teamed up with the Grateful Dead with the release of the Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale. The beer commemorates the 60th birthday of the iconic American rock band and the beer label's 30th anniversary.

Brewery founder Sam Calagione spent some time with Grateful Dead's archivist and historian David Lemeiux, listening to music and sipping beers. The two decided on the perfect recipe to pair with the music and even curated a playlist to accompany the beer. Brewed with a hippy mindset, the beer features Kernza® grains, granola, and a pair of hops in Azacca and El Dorado.

Read more
How to freeze-dry food: 4 easy methods to preserve your produce
Have you ever wanted to preserve fresh produce? Freeze-drying is an excellent way to do so — here's how
Freeze-dried strawberries on a slate counter

If the recent spike in grocery prices and issues with our food supply chain have shown us anything, it's that it's probably a good idea to keep some nonperishable food around the house in case of any type of shortage or emergencies. Personally, knowing that my family and I would be able to sustain ourselves through tough times is a comforting feeling. I have found one of the best ways to preserve food for the long term is by freeze-drying it, and you don't have to wait for the apocalypse to enjoy freeze-dried foods.

Read more