Marcus Samuelsson on His Rise, Roots, and The Chefs Who Shaped Him!! (Part 1 of 2)

Adrienne and Joe are joined by culinary icon Chef Marcus Samuelsson for Part 1 of a two-part conversation exploring his remarkable career, early New York breakthrough, global training, and the mentors who shaped his philosophy. In this episode, we also discuss:

• Training across Europe and Japan and blending global technique with personal heritage

• Finding cultural identity through Swedish roots, Ethiopian heritage, and fine dining

• Lessons and mentorship from industry legends like Charlie Trotter and Leah Chase

• Building access, equity, and visibility for chefs of color and women in the industry

• Opening Red Rooster and harnessing food as a driver for community pride in Harlem

• Spotting talent, leading teams, and mentoring the next generation of culinary leaders

• Rapid-fire “Yes Chef, No Chef” on social media, industry awards, and restaurant longevity

Follow Marcus: @marcuscooks

Follow the show: @chefscutpod

Follow Adrienne: @chefadriennecheatham 

Follow Joe: @insta.flamm