Ethiopian-born chef Marcus Samuelsson is a world-renowned, award-winning chef, author, and entrepreneur who burst onto the culinary scene when he became the youngest to ever receive a three-star review from The New York Times in the 1990s. Samuelsson was the guest chef for President Obama’s first State Dinner in 2009 and won eight prestigious James Beard Foundation awards.
“I learned about Dr. King when I was in Sweden from my parents who were raising Black children and in school,” Samuelsson said of learning about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his impact around the world before the culinary creative came to the United States three decades ago. “They knew the importance of his legacy. That is something they shared with us as he was a cultural figure worldwide.”
To honor Dr. King, Chef Samuelsson created a dish called King’s Jambalaya as a special menu item at several of his eateries around the country. The culinary delight serves two to four and includes BBQ fried chicken, Jollof rice, fish curry, collards, cornbread, and peanut chimichurri. Rolling Out enjoyed sampling King’s Jambalaya, and the Jollof rice mixes uniquely with each element in the massive dish. The thoughtfully created culinary tribute was crafted to trace Dr. King’s journey from the South to the globe, including Ghana, where he traveled in 1957.
“Dr. King’s legacy isn’t just something I think about; it’s something I feel every day,” Samuelsson shared when asked what lessons we can still learn in 2025 and beyond from King’s words and the life he led. “His commitment to service, community, and uplifting others inspires me to do the same with my restaurants. It’s about more than food; it’s about being a true part of the neighborhoods we’re in. And for me, that means focusing on historically Black communities – finding ways to make real, lasting change through collaboration, support, and, of course, a little bit of spice both metaphorically and literally.”
Samuelsson then mentioned how his work has impacted youth at his restaurant in Atlanta.
“Working with C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) has been one of the best ways I can give back and open doors for young talent and when we decided to open Marcus Bar and Grille in 2023, right near the King Center and Dr. King’s birthplace, it felt like the perfect way to honor the spirit of this place – rich in culture, history, and hope.”
King’s Jambalaya is on the menu at Hav & Mar in New York City, Marcus Live at the American Dream entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Marcus Bar & Grill in Atlanta, and Red Rooster Overtown in Miami and would make a delicious tribute to nourish your body and spirit in honor of a civil rights icon.
