Eight-Time James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur & Culinary Author; Host of "No Passport Required"
Marcus Samuelsson Biography
Marcus Samuelsson is a chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality whose culinary influence spans continents and cultures. Samuelsson began working in restaurants as a teenager and attended the Culinary Institute in Gothenburg before taking apprenticeships with high-end restaurants in Switzerland and Austria, as well as working in the three-Michelin-starred restaurant of French chef Georges Blanc. He later secured a position as sous chef at the Swedish restaurant Aquavit in New York City. After the executive chef's unexpected passing, Samuelsson took over and became the youngest chef to receive a three-star review from The New York Times.
Samuelsson's rise at Aquavit earned him several honors, including the James Beard Rising Star Chef Award and the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef: New York City Award. He is an eight-time James Beard Award winner, Emmy Award–winning producer, and best-selling author. Samuelsson appears regularly on television, including on "Chopped" and "Top Chef." He served as guest chef for the first State Dinner of the Obama administration. His television work includes chef and host of "No Passport Required" on public television with Vox/Eater, champion of "Top Chef Masters" and "Chopped All-Stars," and head judge of "Top Chef Family Style."
As an author, Samuelsson has produced a body of work reflecting his multicultural identity and culinary philosophy. His books include "Aquavit and the New Scandinavian Cuisine," "The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa," "New American Table," and "Yes, Chef: A Memoir." "The Soul of a New Cuisine" received a James Beard Award for Best International Cookbook. His memoir "Yes, Chef" won the James Beard Award for Writing and Literature. Other cookbooks include "The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food" and "Back to Green," which explores a plant-forward and global approach to food.
Beyond the kitchen, Samuelsson has built a restaurant group with locations worldwide, including Red Rooster Harlem and Red Rooster Overtown in Miami; Hav & Mar in the Chelsea Arts District; Metropolis at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan; and Marcus restaurants in Atlanta and New Jersey, as well as international locations in The Bahamas, Canada, and Ethiopia. Samuelsson is co-chair of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), supporting underserved youth, and co-produces the Harlem EatUp! Festival, celebrating Harlem's food, art, and culture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuelsson converted his restaurants into community kitchens in partnership with World Central Kitchen, serving meals to those in need. He received the Vilcek Prize in Culinary Arts for his engagement with social issues through the culinary arts. Samuelsson continues to use food as a vehicle for storytelling, cultural celebration, and social change.
Marcus Samuelsson Videos
Marcus Samuelsson defends restaurant workers amid immigration raids: Full interview
Chef Marcus Samuelsson sits down with Kristen Welker for a “Meet the Moment” conversation about the essential role restaurant workers play in...
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What topics does Marcus Samuelsson speak about?
Marcus Samuelsson is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Business, Celebrity Chef, Celebrity Chef, Entertainment, Government, Hospitality, Immigration, Leadership, Non-Fiction Authors, Sustainability, Television & Film -
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Marcus Samuelsson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Marcus Samuelsson for your event is available upon request. Marcus Samuelsson generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tom Colicchio, Carla Hall, Art Smith, Rick Bayless and Ted Allen. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Marcus Samuelsson for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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