A conversation about running a restaurant during a pandemic, writing a book about Black food in America, and how to understand Black culture through food with Chef Marcus Samuelsson. ----- Welcome to episode 289 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Chef Marcus Samuelsson about his experience in the restaurant industry during the COVID–19 pandemic and how he is celebrating Black culture through food. How the COVID–19 Pandemic Has Affected the Restaurant Industry and Celebrating Black Excellence in American Food  Marcus Samuelsson is a chef, an immigrant, a restaurateur, and an author, and he’s here to talk about the restaurant and food industry and Black food culture in America. You’ll first hear about his experiences as a restauranteur and how he has essentially had to start from scratch and reinvent himself during the COVID–19 pandemic. Food is a way that we communicate with and relate to one another, so the pandemic is creating some unique challenges in the restaurant and food industry. Then he talks about Black food in America and how we can learn and grow in our understanding of Black culture through food. He’ll encourage you to do the work and immerse yourself in the incredible foods and dishes that celebrate Black culture, as well as share the story of his new book, “The Rise.” In this episode, you’ll learn: How his life has changed since the beginning of the COVID–19 pandemic What World Central Kitchen does Why he felt ready for a challenge like a pandemic When he knew he wanted to be a chef The origin and story of his new cookbook, The Rise How to participate in Black experiences Resources: The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook Jose Andres World Central Kitchen No Passport Required Genius Aquavit This Moment Podcast Follow Marcus on Instagram and connect with him on his website If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to podcast@foodbloggerpro.com. Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership