James Beard Award-winning chef and author Marcus Samuelsson debuted his new restaurant, Streetbird Rotisserie.
Located in Harlem the 68-seat kitchenette serves an international menu influenced by Samuelsson’s travels. The restaurant name references its signature offering—rotisserie chicken.
The interior, designed by Marcus and Derek Fleming, is inspired by ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s hip hop and street culture. Artist Cey Adams, Def Jam record label’s founding creative director, contributed graffiti-style artwork, including two canvas typography pieces. The walls are clad in white quilted steel subway tiles, while light fixtures are made from cassette tapes.
A hightop, nine-seat counter made with domino tiles faces an open kitchen. The entry showcases a floor collage by Anthony Vasquez depicting vintage photos of Harlem eateries; and an interactive installation of boom boxes allows diners to listen to interviews with well known New York personalities via headphones. Vintage photographs, such as a portrait of Run DMC by photographer Janette Beckman, are featured throughout.
Locally sourced and repurposed wood and West African fabric decorate the dining area. Church pews covered in vintage designer textiles are used in place of traditional chairs for seating.
