“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.”

Swedish-American chef and restaurateur, born in Ethiopia. Samuelsson rose to prominence as the first African chef to earn a Michelin star, leading his New York restaurant, Red Rooster, to critical acclaim. His work spans fine dining, food writing, and advocacy for culinary diversity, blending global flavors with accessible, innovative techniques.