198 Quotes by Marcus Samuelsson

Chocolate is one of the world’s most beloved discoveries, and when we need a quick boost of energy and endorphins, chocolate is the go-to treat.

While I hold my own views, it’s important not to get too wrapped up in individual candidates and personalities, but instead to focus on the real issues.

One of the first things my father taught me was that the library was made for and available to me. It’s a place where you not only learn from books but you learn responsibility – how to borrow, take care of, and give back.

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday – it’s a day that’s American to the core and it’s a day that’s all about what and how we eat.

If you’re cooking for someone important – whether it’s your boss or a date – never try a new recipe and a new ingredient at the same time.

In Ethiopia, food is often looked at through a strong spiritual lens, stronger than anywhere else I know. It’s the focal point of weddings, births and funerals and is a daily ceremony from the preparation of the meal and the washing of hands to the sharing of meals.

America has been very open to immigrants in terms of laws, getting loans – it has been helping immigrants more than it’s been helping African Americans in starting a small business. That’s key, whether you’re starting a restaurant or a laundromat.

In Europe I couldn’t be anything but a black cook working for somebody. My inspiration was to own, to be the chef.

That gave us enough time to get a shot of Ethiopian coffee, espresso style. Nothing tastes better than Ethiopian coffee; almost everywhere you go, it is roasted right before it’s brewed. In the United States, we think it’s a big deal if you wait to grind the beans before you make coffee. Here, the benchmark for freshness is miles higher.