Around New York, chefs are treated like celebrities who also have superhuman powers. So who are these Croc-wearing food wizards? Where do they find their bites on a budget? And where do they go to splurge? In this series we ask top NYC chefs where and what they eat.

There are many flattering ways to describe Marcus Samuelsson, owner and chef of Harlem eatery Red Rooster. But there are none more fitting than Local God. When Gewet and I visited Marcus at the lively and homely hotspot, we were dazzled to see that he knew almost every patron and face that walked through the door (most of them just to say hi), and when we went outside to chat, we witnessed his popularity to the full effect as he shook hands with almost every passerby. We could barely get a word in! Born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, Marcus has the energy and zeal that you would expect from anyone at the top of their game. Opened in early 2010, Red Rooster has been serving full houses some of the best comfort food in New York, reflecting the diverse roots of Harlem. Check out Marcus’ favorite spots for food around the city.

Name: Marcus Samuelsson

Astro sign: Scorpio

Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden

Current neighborhood: Harlem

Restaurant: Red Rooster Harlem and Ginny's Supper Club

Your restaurant's most lauded dish: Fried yard bird paired with the Savoy cocktail

Your signature dish: Doro wat from my Ethiopian tribe

Favorite vegetable currently in season: Rhubarb

Best spot for dumplings: Tasty Dumpling in Chinatown; five dumplings for $1.25!

Best spot for a curry dish: Mehfil in Jackson Heights for fish and shrimp curries

Best spot for pasta: I know you probably mean something Italian, but I love Totto Ramen... Japanese pasta!

Food trend you're over: The ever-changing trends in food

Hangover cure dish: The boys on my soccer team always show up to play even if we've been out the night before. We like to go to DBGB in the East Village for beers and burgers after a win!

Best food market in the New York area: The summer farmer's market at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem

After a long day, what do you make for yourself: I make myself comfortable and enjoy my wife's cooking

Celebrity chef crush: Nobu

Favorite cooking show: I grew up watching Keith Floyd on the BBC

Last meal request: Gravlax

Any horror apprentice stories? Once, while I was working in France, I had a hot scallop dish thrown in my face!

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TASTY DUMPLING- 94 Mulberry St, NY map
MEHFIL- 76-05 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY Map
TOTTO RAMEN- 366 W 52nd St, NY Map
DBGB- 299 Bowery St, NY Map
MARCUS GARVEY PARK- Madison Ave, E. 120 St. to E. 124 St. NY Map



FILED UNDER: NEW YORK , FOOD , JUST EAT IT , Marcus Samuelsson , Red Rooster , Top Chef Top Eats