Marcus Samuelsson Quotes

Powerful Marcus Samuelsson for Daily Growth

About Marcus Samuelsson

Marcus Samuelsson is a celebrated Ethiopian-Swedish chef, restaurateur, and television personality who has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. Born Kassahun Tsegaye in 1970 in Ethiopia, he was adopted by a Swedish couple at six months old and named Marcus Paul Samuelsson. His adoption set him on a path to Sweden where his life story intertwined with food. Samuelsson's passion for cooking began during his time at a boarding school for troubled boys, where he discovered solace in the kitchen. He enrolled in the Culinary Institute of Sweden at 15 and honed his skills under renowned Swedish chef, Bruce Pooroikonst. His culinary journey took him to Uppsala Castle's Michelin-starred restaurant, eventually leading to an apprenticeship with Albert Vahra at Aquavit in New York City. In 1995, Samuelsson returned to Aquavit as the executive chef, becoming one of the youngest and first African chefs to head a two-star restaurant. He solidified his status in 2003 when he won the James Beard Foundation's 'Best Chef: New York City.' His major works include "Yes, Chef," an autobiography that delves into his life journey, and "The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa," where he shares African culinary traditions. Samuelsson is known for infusing African flavors with international techniques, bridging cultural divides through food. His restaurants, such as Red Rooster Harlem in New York City and Marcus Samuelsson Mogadishu in Somalia, reflect this mission. As a champion of diversity and inclusion in the culinary industry, he continues to inspire a new generation of chefs and remind us that "food is memory."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Everyone has a story, and food is always at the center of those stories."

This quote emphasizes the deeply personal and cultural significance of food. It suggests that food plays a pivotal role in shaping our narratives and experiences, acting as both a mirror and a vehicle for our shared histories, traditions, and identities. In essence, it underscores how food serves not just as sustenance but as a powerful medium through which we express ourselves, connect with others, and preserve our collective heritage.

"Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together."

Marcus Samuelsson's quote emphasizes that cooking transcends beyond mere preparation of food; it is a powerful social bond. He suggests that food, as a shared experience, serves as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, enabling people from different walks of life to connect and unite in fellowship. This unity fostered through culinary experiences can promote understanding, empathy, and overall societal harmony.

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

This quote emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of purpose or values in life. Without a strong foundation of beliefs and principles to guide decisions, one risks being swayed by any passing trend or opportunity that comes their way, potentially leading to confusion, indecision, or unwise choices. By standing for something – be it personal values, causes, or ideas – one establishes a sense of direction and integrity, which can serve as a reliable compass in navigating life's complexities.

"Food is memory made edible."

This quote emphasizes that food carries powerful emotional significance, as it can serve as a tangible reminder or representation of personal memories. The flavors, textures, scents, and traditions surrounding the food we eat can evoke strong feelings and remind us of specific people, places, or experiences in our lives. Food, through its sensory qualities, becomes a means to connect with our past, culture, and identity. It's not just sustenance; it has the power to transport us back in time, providing a unique way to preserve and share stories across generations.

"The more you know about food, the more you realize that there are no mistakes - just opportunities to do better."

This quote by Marcus Samuelsson emphasizes the idea that knowledge about food is empowering and opens up possibilities rather than imposing restrictions or judgments. It suggests that making "mistakes" in cooking, or encountering unexpected outcomes, should be viewed as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. In other words, the more one delves into the world of food, the more they recognize that every experience can be a stepping stone towards culinary mastery. This perspective encourages a growth mindset, fostering an environment where learning from mistakes is valued over avoiding them altogether.

Just like keeping a healthy diet is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods is just as important for getting the most out of your workout.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Like, Foods, Keeping, Diet

For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily available that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Clean Water, Like, Readily, Available

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

- Marcus Samuelsson

Political, Own, Individual, My Own

To become a good cook is to know yourself, and I, at this point, know myself. I know myself, and I know the cook I want to be and the cook I am striving to be.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Know Yourself, Cook, Striving

Casseroles don't have to be about canned ingredients and vegetables you normally wouldn't even think of eating alone, much less stuck in between layers of sauce and breadcrumbs. They can vary from everyone's favorite all-time casserole, macaroni and cheese, to the ultimate English casserole, Shepherd's Pie.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Vary, Sauce, About, Canned

What I love about the term 'salad' is that it can appear in so many different forms and says a lot about the cook. It could be a simple as fresh green lettuces tossed with a basic vinaigrette, or it could be as hearty as a couscous salad with grilled shrimp.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Salad, Shrimp, Hearty

Like all food, whether you're talking about Persian food, or Chinese food, or Swedish food, it's always a reflection of wars, trading, a bunch of good and a bunch of bad. But what's left is always the food story.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Always, Trading, Swedish, Chinese

Cooking with your kids and engaging them in hands-on activities are two ways to begin to educate children about the healthy eating, and kick start the important task to help change how the younger generation looks at food and nutrition.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Hands-On, About, Your, Engaging

A juicy chicken breast can be the perfect accompaniment to a classic Caesar salad or a club sandwich. It's also easy to cook, and can be as simple as dressing it with a few spices and popping in the oven.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Salad, Chicken, Popping, Sandwich

Harlem is not a playground for rich bankers and consultants. It's got students of all colors. It's got old people who keep history and tell tall tales.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Old, Tell, Bankers, Consultants

Pot lucks are fun, especially when you encourage your guests to bring dishes that represent their families or cultures.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Bring, Your, Dishes, Pot

Eating vegetarian doesn't mean you have to eat boring, humdrum dishes.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Mean, Vegetarian, Boring, Dishes

Even just a few spices or ethnic condiments that you can keep in your pantry can turn your mundane dishes into a culinary masterpiece.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Turn, Ethnic, Your, Dishes

Not only are pasta dishes delicious, but they are also great, easy options for a quick dinner during a busy weekday.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Quick, Also, Delicious, Dishes

While some people may think being a chef only entails making enticing dishes and pushing the culinary boundaries, being a part of the food industry involves much more.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Think, Some, Entails, Dishes

I am a chef through and through. Everything I do - whether it is cooking for kids in Harlem or cooking in a fine dining establishment - all my days are consumed by food.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Dining, Through, Consumed, Chef

As a chef, I could not wash my hands - nor clean pots, pans, utensils, meats or produce, nor make soups and sauces - if I did not have clean water. Were this to happen, of course, these would be the least of my concerns. Because water is the linchpin of survival: without it, not much else matters.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Hands, Pots, Least, Chef

Between the ages of six and nine, my palette was taking shape as well as my identity as a chef. It was then that I learned the difference between salty, sweet, sour and even spicy.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Shape, Nine, Six, Salty

Although I may not know a lot about football, I do know a lot about food! As a result, not many people ask me to join their fantasy leagues, but they will come to me for suggestions on what to serve for guests for a weekly Sunday get-together.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Serve, Weekly, About, I May Not

The darker the chocolate is, the more antioxidants it contains. So when eaten in moderation - just a few bites from a well-made dark chocolate bar, for instance - there's no need to feel bad about indulging once in a while.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Bad, About, Instance, Bites

Pasta isn't just for Italian food anymore. Now there are tasty pasta recipes found in Asian cuisine, and it's emerging as a newfound love for vegans.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Recipes, Cuisine, Asian

For me, brunch is such a versatile meal since you can play on both the sweet and savory in your dishes.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Play, Your, Dishes, Versatile

I'm lucky to live in New York, a city that offers so many options for lunch. I can pick up dumplings from a Midtown food truck, grab empanadas by the dozen in Spanish Harlem or get a fantastic bowl of ramen in the East Village.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Lunch, City, Lucky, Fantastic

I learned from my grandmother, who grew up in devastating war times, how important it is to keep with tradition and celebrate the holidays during tough times.

- Marcus Samuelsson

War, Celebrate, Learned, Devastating

Here's a thought: what if we ban the word 'healthy food' from our culinary vocabulary? I'm not talking about banning foods that are considered healthy. I'm talking about changing the way we think about food overall.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Think, Here, Not Talking, Banning

Most cultures traditionally link food and spirituality directly with periodic restrictions and celebrations punctuating the year. Abstinence from particular foods or full-on fasting is part of many religious traditions and holidays.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Year, Religious, Foods, Directly

When you are already eating as cheaply and meagerly as possible, any raise in cost can quickly plunge you and your family into hunger.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Cost, Quickly, Cheaply, Plunge

Oatmeal is a cheap and healthy breakfast.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Breakfast, Healthy, Cheap, Oatmeal

I would love to take a cooking class from Gandhi. Maybe I could teach him how to cook, and he could teach me his message. I wouldn't mind learning how to make couscous from scratch from a North African woman, either.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Woman, Maybe, Scratch

I came into this environment where there was so much love, so much positive energy. I never heard my parents say, 'We have adopted kids.' The minute my sister Linda and I landed in Sweden, we were their kids.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Positive Energy, Came, Linda

In the harrowing aftermath of Haiti's earthquake, one of the greatest needs became desperately clear: safe water.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Haiti, Needs, Became, Harrowing

What makes Harlem special is that at any given time, food seekers can not only find food deeply rooted in Southern, Latin and African traditions, but also can taste the newer Senegalese, Chinese, and Italian influences as well.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Taste, Southern, Chinese, Latin

The opportunity here in the U.S. is so unique because we are so diverse, with so many different cultures living together. Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists, all with their own connections to the spiritual aspects of food and with lessons that we can learn from each other.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Here, Other, Buddhists, Hindus

I'm engaged in food on so many levels, and I love that. So my work, my craft, is around food, and writing is one aspect of it; communicating a narrative, cooking online is one aspect of it; solving the food chasm that we have in Harlem and finding a farmers market is another one, and all of them are equally exciting for me.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Engaged, Solving, One Aspect

Egypt is the largest wheat importer in the world. In some part, this is due to irrigation issues and inhospitable climes. Egypt's dependence on wheat is also partially because for decades it has been cheaper to import wheat, corn, soy and barley from the U.S. than to grow it locally.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Some, Cheaper, Largest, Wheat

I cannot stress a greater importance than to teach the young generation about the risks of unhealthy eating. A great way to pique their interest in nutrition is to involve them more in the cooking process. They not only will learn to cook for themselves, but also develop a lifetime of healthy habits.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Habits, Young, Great Way, Unhealthy

I had a long-lasting love affair with the flavors from Japan and the hustling New York street vendors. And, of course, a life-changing return to Ethiopia has made huge impacts on my life in food.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, My Life, Flavors, Impacts

Cooking turkey every year doesn't have to be monotonous - I want people to always mix it up using different spices and preparations.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Year, Always, Using, Preparations

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.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Strong, Hands, Through, Lens

You have to balance, but you can be aggressive as a chef. It benefits the food. You have to be passionate. You can't be angry cooking.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Balance, Chef, Benefits, Aggressive

Finding creative and effective ways to simultaneously give back and economically empower people is something that is increasingly important. Not everyone can open a business and directly create jobs in the way that we have at Red Rooster Harlem.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Give, Rooster, Increasingly, Simultaneously

I want people to understand my journey and to be inspired by that. You can be an immigrant, and if you work really hard, you can have your own restaurant.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Work, Journey, Want, My Journey

Avocados have a creamy texture, making them a healthier replacement for ingredients like butter and mayo in recipes, though they do contain a surprisingly large amount of fat - a whopping 30 grams per medium-sized avocado.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Recipes, Making, Butter, Surprisingly

Since truffle oil and caviar aren't always in the budget, learning to tweak and enhance just a few ingredients and flavor combinations can help you transform those ordinary ingredients into the extraordinary!

- Marcus Samuelsson

Learning, Ordinary, Always, Tweak

Salad can get a bad rap. People think of bland and watery iceberg lettuce, but in fact, salads are an art form, from the simplest rendition to a colorful kitchen-sink approach.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Think, Rap, Simplest, Iceberg

I think that if you grind your spices and keep them in small batches, you can use them in endless ways. The key thing is to have a spice mill or a coffee grinder, and to keep your spices cold and in tightly lidded boxes.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Small, I Think, Use, Tightly

My father was a big influence - it was very important to him that we traveled, and he gave me my strong work ethic.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Strong, Big, Very, Traveled

Not only does the summer bring warm weather and tons of summer activities, but it also yields a fresh crop of increasingly useful avocados!

- Marcus Samuelsson

Bring, Increasingly, Also, Tons

While eating gluten-free may help you lose weight initially because it eliminates baked goods, one has to be smart when choosing replacement options because the gluten-free versions often have the same number of calories.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Lose, Weight, May, Baked

Although I believe affection and romance should be shown all year around, it's always smart to have a good plan up your sleeve for Valentine's Day.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Year, Always, Romance, Valentine

In the hot summer months, popsicles are a perfect way to cool down while enjoying a delicious, fruity treat. Frozen, refreshing, mouth-friendly candy on a stick cannot get any better... or can it?

- Marcus Samuelsson

Treat, Perfect, Months, Refreshing

Let the fresh fruits and vegetables be your guide, and make something that will keep for the whole week.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Week, Fruits, Will, Fresh

I had seen the photographs of Harlem in its glory days, stylish men in bespoke suits, women so well dressed that they'd put the models in 'Vogue' to shame. I knew that Harlemites loved to dance, to pray, and to eat.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Suits, Shame, Had, Vogue

Aside from the obvious chocolate cookies and ice cream, chocolate can be used in a variety of ways for desserts.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Ways, Desserts, Aside, Ice Cream

I don't have memories of Ethiopia as a child. I didn't learn about Ethiopian culture until after I moved to New York and started meeting people from the Ethiopian community.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Learn, New, Moved, Ethiopia

Food has always been in my life. Being born in Ethiopia, where there was a lack of food, and then really cooking with my grandmother Helga in Sweden. And my grandmother Helga was a cook's cook.

- Marcus Samuelsson

My Life, Always, Been, Ethiopia

There are so many times there could have been a left turn instead of a right turn in all people's lives. I think mine are pretty crystal clear, because of being adopted, being born in Ethiopia, being adopted to Sweden.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Crystal, Been, I Think, Ethiopia

The holidays are my favorite time of year! Christmas was always one of the biggest celebrations in Sweden, and I look forward to the festivities each year.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Forward, Year, Always, Celebrations

While you can find zucchini in markets in most places year-round, allowing you to make everything from breakfast dishes like zucchini and onion frittatas to snacks like zucchini-stuffed crab cakes, the onset of fall marks the beginning of hard squash season.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Beginning, Onion, While, Squash

Since the gluten-free diet is not for everyone, it's recommended that you stick with a gluten-free diet for at least 3 weeks first to see if it works for you.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Everyone, Weeks, Works, Recommended

For centuries, soup kitchens have been a way for local communities to offer a way of support, both nutritional and emotional to their less lucky neighbors.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Lucky, Soup, Centuries, Nutritional

I credit my grandmother for teaching me to love and respect food. She taught me how to waste nothing, to make sure I used every bit of the chicken and boil the bones till no flavor could be extracted from them.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Chicken, Till, Extracted

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.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Treat, Need, Quick, Boost

Most people cringe at the thought of a casserole.

- Marcus Samuelsson

People, Thought, Most, Cringe

Without food, we cannot survive, and that is why issues that affect the food industry are so important.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Survive, Affect, We Cannot, Food Industry

I feel like there's a lot of tasks in cooking that I want to master, that I want to do better.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Better, Like, Lot, Tasks

We struggle with eating healthily, obesity, and access to good nutrition for everyone. But we have a great opportunity to get on the right side of this battle by beginning to think differently about the way that we eat and the way that we approach food.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Beginning, Access, About, Struggle

Certain foods are good for preparing your body for an intense workout and giving you the energy you need to endure it. Others are great for after exercising to help you maintain calorie burning, build muscle, and prevent cramping.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Maintain, Your, Foods, Calorie

The fact is that more and more people are developing a sensitivity to gluten, without necessarily being allergic to it.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Fact, More, More People, Sensitivity

Going meatless reduces our carbon footprint and helps us lead the way towards climate change.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Change, Going, Towards, Footprint

Chefs don't eat at normal hours, so the only time you feel like you really need a meal is after service, when you're exhausted and just crave something to help you wind down.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Down, Exhausted, Feel, Only Time

Every time you use the word 'healthy,' you lose. The key is to make yummy, delicious food that happens to be healthy.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Lose, Use, Delicious, Every Time

Whether you're on a diet, or you're looking for a go-to one bowl dinner recipe, salads should be thought of as crowd-pleasers, not a dreaded component of a meal.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Thought, Bowl, Recipe, Salads

I'm an avid runner and play soccer every weekend, but I also have to constantly watch what I eat, and I'm always thinking about how to balance my meals.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Soccer, Play, Always, Runner

I love cookbooks for completely different reasons. I love 'The Harry's Bar Cookbook' and Marco-Pierre White's 'White Heat' for their feel. For pure learning, Gray Kunz wrote a great cookbook, 'The Elements of Taste', published in 2001. The first time I read Charlie Trotter's, the Chicago chef's first cookbook, I was blown away.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Heat, Reasons, Blown Away

There shouldn't be an announcement that divides our food between what tastes good and what is good for us.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Good, Tastes, Our, Divides

I don't distinguish the music I listen to from great music - it's just music. There shouldn't be an announcement that divides our food between what tastes good and what is good for us.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Great, Tastes, Great Music, Divides

Coconut oil is one of the most beneficial sources of fat. It is comprised of medium-chain fatty acids or MCFAs, which are easier to break down and metabolize into energy than large-chain fatty acids, which are often stored in the body as fat for later use.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Body, Use, Sources, Stored

For decades, many blacks were reluctant to pursue a profession that was associated with servitude. If you went to school, it was to become a lawyer or doctor. Older generations didn't understand why one would spend money to learn how to chop, peel, dice, and saute vegetables when that trade could be taught at home.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Why, Generations, Dice, Decades

Sweden was once a very homogenous society, but no more. For decades, people have been coming into Sweden from all over the world, and that's changed the way we cook.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Over, Been, Very, Decades

I had great schooling, and my parents were always in front of me, or next to me, or behind me, making sure I had whatever I needed.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Behind, Next, Always, Schooling

For many sports fans, the onset of fall only means one thing: It's football season!

- Marcus Samuelsson

Sports, One Thing, Means, Season

Coconut is one of those love-hate ingredients.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Ingredients, Love-Hate, Coconut

I happen to love coconut, particularly for that sweet and crunchy texture it adds to any dish.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Happen, Particularly, Coconut

While most individuals use the flesh of the coconut in their cooking, coconut water and oil are also known to have numerous health benefits.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Benefits, Use, Numerous, Coconut

The dialogue and conversation about food is everywhere - television, chat rooms, social media outlets and among everyday conversations.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Television, Social, Rooms, Social Media

There has long been a debate in the aid community and in Africa about how to most effectively help situations of poverty in developing nations and underprivileged communities.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Africa, Been, Effectively, Communities

When I'm in need of a quick meal or party dish, a burger is hands-down my go-to pick! Burgers are easy, fast, and don't even require utensils to eat, making them the perfect get-together main course, tailgating essential, and simple dinner recipe to whip up any night of the week.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Week, Perfect, Quick, Whip

I am many different things, and that is why I am so proud to be American.

- Marcus Samuelsson

I Am, Proud, Things, Different Things

Children want to mimic adults. They notice when you choose to prepare fresh vegetables over calling in another pizza pie for dinner. They will see that food made with love and care outweighs going through the drive-through window.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Prepare, Through, Fresh

As people of color, it took a whole generation in many ways to get us out of the kitchen, and it's gonna take us the same whole generation to get us back into the kitchen and have ownership of restaurants, hotels and stuff like that.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Color, Generation, Took, Kitchen

I think the kitchen is the new garage. And I think for a guy that wants to go out and be an evolved person, he should know about his local favorite restaurant. He should know how to cook something.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Think, New, I Think, Kitchen

I want to make sure the cooking industry becomes more and more diverse.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Want, More, Sure, Diverse

Many popsicles you'll find in a supermarket have a lot of unwanted sugar or preservatives, but with a few ingredients you can make healthier popsicles with any flavor you can imagine.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Imagine, Healthier, Many, Supermarket

Simple ingredients can be used to make elegant dishes with just a little extra attention to detail.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Attention, Ingredients, Extra

Packing lunches and going over menus is a great way to make small changes in the way your kids eat.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Small, Over, Great Way, Packing

People come up to me all the time and ask how I stay the way I am, and it's no secret. The first lesson a chef needs to learn is how to handle a knife; the second is how to be around all that food.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Secret, Around, Second, No Secret

I'm a firm believer that people find their own passions.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Find, Firm Believer, Firm, Passions

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite American traditions. I quickly picked it up when I moved to the U.S. from Sweden.

- Marcus Samuelsson

American, Quickly, Moved, Traditions

I can take a lot of pride that I can launch cookbooks and there's an audience out there that supports that.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Audience, Lot, Take, Supports

Clean water and access to food are some of the simplest things that we can take for granted each and every day. In places like Africa, these can be some of the hardest resources to attain if you live in a rural area.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Every Day, Some, Access, Take For Granted

My parents were there: in front of me, behind me, in the middle of my life at all times: reprimanding me, giving me confidence, teaching me valuable lessons, to help make me the man I am today.

- Marcus Samuelsson

My Life, Behind, Middle, Lessons

Cooking is in an honest profession where you cannot hide and let others do the work for you. You have to show up, work hard and prove you can do it faster and better. And find a mentor who will recognize your talent and push you in the right direction.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Mentor, Prove, Show, Push

As an adopted person, once you find out about that 'other' side of yourself, it's almost like you find out who you really are.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Other, Side, Almost, Adopted

When I ride the subway back and forth, sometimes I look at the other passengers and wonder if any of them are children who have been adopted or parents who have adopted.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Other, Been, Passengers, Adopted

It's key to know which essential foods will keep you going and help your body recover after hard work.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Which, Recover, Foods, Key

We can all agree that government can't solve the obesity crisis alone. It's an ongoing issue that will require a collaborative effort across private and public sectors if we want to see some long-term success.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Effort, Some, Private, Obesity

Everyone's favorite breakfast dish can be prepared in a moment's time with just a few ingredients and minimum effort.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Effort, Everyone, Prepared, Ingredients

If you get hungry mid-day, a banana is the best snack at your desk, after a workout, or in between classes. Fruit is a very good snack in general.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Banana, Snack, Very, Between

I've been lucky to travel and work all over the world through the lens of the back of the house, and I love that monocle. I love that lens, because it's real people.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Lucky, Through, Over, Lens

When you're in Portuguese-African Brazil, or Lisbon, or Mozambique, sometimes piri piri is used as a condiment. Sometimes piri piri is just spices from a jar, and sometimes it's made with garlic, olive oil, cilantro, parsley, and some light chilies.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Brazil, Sometimes, Some, Jar

The avocado is native to the Mexican state of Puebla, which helps explain why it's so popular in Mexican cooking.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Why, Explain, Which, Helps

As a chef, I always have in mind how to properly feed the public, but at times it's easy to forget that some people have trouble even getting any food, much less adequate nutrition.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Mind, Some, Always, Nutrition

Childhood nutrition and healthy eating is a cause that is extremely close to my heart.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Childhood, Extremely, Nutrition

I love using rice as a flour; I'll grind roasted rice and dip fish in that. It gives a beautiful, crunchy texture.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Texture, Using, Flour

Weekends are sacred for me. They're the perfect time to relax and spend time with family and friends.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Relax, Perfect, Weekends, Family And Friends

I always get asked for suggestions on what to get food-lover friends. While there are many gifts out there that a foodie would love, it's always good to do some research beforehand so you know you're getting a gift that will last.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Gift, Some, Suggestions

The journey into adoption started for my parents, as it does with so many families: my mother and father desperately wanted to have kids, but they couldn't.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Journey, Mother And Father, Adoption

Spices, of course, are essential.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Spices, Course, Essential

Even before the earthquake in Haiti, only half the country's population had a source of safe drinking water.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Country, Haiti, Half, Earthquake

I love chicken. But, like a lot of chefs and cooks, I get tired of preparing it the same way.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Chicken, Like, Preparing

Taking dishes straight off the restaurant's menu and putting them into a cookbook doesn't work, because as a chef you have your own vision of what your food is, but you can't always explain it. Or you can't pick recipes that best illustrate who and where you are and what you're doing. And if the recipes don't work, you don't have a book.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Doing, Explain, Putting, Taking

As a chef and activist, I'm particularly concerned with food politics issues such as the farm bill.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Politics, Activist, Farm

I've lived all over the world, but Harlem is very special to me, and when I decided to open a restaurant near my home, I didn't want it to be business as usual.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Business, Over, Very, Near

I get so tickled when that pilot happens to be an African American because I rarely see that. The same is true when I go to find restaurants. I mean, most places I go, I kind of have some idea who the chef is, which is why I want to go.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Why, Some, Idea, Restaurants

It wasn't until I came to New York and started to see the African American community, but also the Ethiopian community here, and started to eat the food, started to understand the music. I said, you know, I got to go and understand the culture. So me and my sister went.

- Marcus Samuelsson

American, Here, Got, Sister

While I'm more of a soccer and tennis fan myself, I still enjoying catching some football games when I get the chance.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Soccer, Some, Catching, Tennis

The reasons for food insecurity are many and varied. But part of the problem is the global farming systems.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Problem, Reasons, Systems, Farming

I think it's very expensive to not eat healthy. Eating healthy is the only affordable option we have left.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Think, Affordable, Very, Option

I always suggest something fast and simple so you have more time to share with friends; and when we think of the ultimate food to serve for a football game, only one thing comes to mind - wings!

- Marcus Samuelsson

Simple, Game, Serve, Football Game

I learned at a young age what chasing flavors meant, and I've been doing that my whole life.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Been, Meant, Flavors, Young Age

It's often hard for us to imagine going without some of our luxuries like travel, dining out, or Internet, much less our basic necessities like food and water. But try for a minute to imagine how life would be with such deprivations.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Some, Necessities, Luxuries, Basic

With all the endless varieties and toppings you can add to burgers, there's no need to keep munching on the boring burgers and ketchup found at all the tailgating events and BBQs.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Need, Add, Endless, Events

Healthy can be the new good. Eating delicious should not be sacrificed because it's healthy.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Healthy, New, Should, Sacrificed

I met Charlie Trotter before I actually saw him in person; I was 24 when I first opened the pages of Charlie's cookbook 'Charlie Trotter's' and was greeted by a man I would know and admire for the next 20 years.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Next, Before, Saw, Met

They say never trust a skinny chef, but the fact is, to stay healthy when you're a chef means you have to work twice as hard.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Trust, Fact, Means, They Say

If it's done really well, you don't want big portions because you think, 'That was so fulfilling. I'm not stuffed. I feel great.'

- Marcus Samuelsson

Think, Want, Big, Fulfilling

My father loved to take us on historical vacations, and you should have seen the stares we received in East Berlin.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Father, Historical, Received, Vacations

People might not protest for overtly political or social causes, but when they can't feed themselves and their family, they will take to the streets.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Will, Streets, Social, Feed

The same ten dollars you spend on lunch is all it costs for City Harvest to feed 37 kids who are hungry. That's pretty astounding.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Lunch, Harvest, Costs, Feed

I have never seen a picture of my mother. My mother's family never owned a photograph of her, which tells you everything you need to know about where I'm from and what the world was like for the people who gave me life.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Life, Seen, About, For The People

Getting to a place of comfort can be uncomfortable.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Comfort, Place, Getting, Uncomfortable

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.

- Marcus Samuelsson

American, Holiday, About, Core

I'm an American chef. I'm American. I live here. I love being here. But, of course, it is different. A black man's journey is different.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Journey, Here, Chef

Being an Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef, there's nothing traditional about my Thanksgiving spread.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Nothing, About, Traditional, Chef

The Swedish Christmas is definitely unique, even throughout Scandinavia. Like Christmas everywhere, it's a very family-centered holiday.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Like, Very, Swedish, Everywhere

I feel fortunate to be part of the cooking community. We learn from each other.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Learn, Other, Part, Fortunate

Many people are turned off at eating vegetarian because of the misconception that all dishes are just an arrangement of bland vegetables.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Eating, Turned, Many, Dishes

When I get the chance to make my favorite breakfast on the weekend, I often choose to make pancakes.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Chance, Weekend, Get, Pancakes

Criticism is part of the creative man's journey, and I appreciate it.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Journey, Appreciate, Part, Creative

I love Thanksgiving because it's a holiday that is centered around food and family, two things that are of utmost importance to me.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Centered, Importance, Utmost

We know so much about the European food story, and we're getting to know about the American food story; but we know so little about the African food story.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Getting, About, European, African

Every day, whether I am teaching or entertaining - I absolutely love bringing different people and cultures together.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Different People, Cultures

I love having a croissant and a great cup of coffee. Just one cup.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Just One, I Love, Coffee

It's fascinating when you're from another place, but you don't speak the language.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Speak, Language, Another, Fascinating

While keeping active is a major aspect of staying fit, what you use for fuel definitely factors in.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Fit, Definitely, Keeping, Major

I started cooking for the love of cooking, and I am going to keep cooking whether there's a celebrity aspect to it or not.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, I Am, Celebrity, Aspect

Each city should have its own type of restaurant.

- Marcus Samuelsson

City, Own, Should, Restaurant

The food business is very tough, but there's also a lot of love and very giving.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Love, Very, Lot, Giving

In America, we are engaged in constant battle with food.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Food, Battle, Engaged, Constant

My family's journey is something I am very proud of - in front of me, behind me and every part.

- Marcus Samuelsson

Proud, Behind, Very, Journey

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