African chants emanated from my computer as I clicked on the Merkato55 website to learn more about the restaurant before heading down to dine there. Wonderful sounds reminiscent of those I heard on my trip to Tanzania earlier this year. I wish I could report that my visit to Marcus Samuelsson’s African restaurant in the trendy meatpacking district of Manhattan was as good.
Marcus Samuelsson is the talented chef and co-owner at Aquavit (a Scandinavian restaurant located midtown). He was the youngest chef to receive a 3-star review from the NY Times and was named the Rising Star Chef (1999) and Best Chef in New York City (2003) by the James Beard Foundation. Knowing this, wouldn’t you want to try his newest place?
Sadly, our waitress seemed clueless both about the restaurant and the menu. We asked lots of questions and got few answers. The best edibles included a variety of marinated Moroccan olives ($6), some of the African breads (Benne, Za’atar, Meali $6) and the ice cream “sandwich” ($3) for dessert. Other than being in the fresh air under a still-bright late summer clear sky, nothing wowed me. My suggestion: if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by for a drink and a small bite; and for a fabulous meal go to Aquavit.
Merkato55, 55 Gansevoort, New York City 212.255.8555
The space is beautifully styled and the music is transporting but either the waitstaff or the menu should give new diners some help in selecting from the various sections of the menu and it would be great to know which countries inspired each dish. Sadly most dishes tasted as if they had been in the fridge all weekend but the olives and French fries were good.
I went to Merkato 55 and am going back this Friday with more friends. Everything we had was wonderful from the fish to the oxtails. As for the bread, I asked for an order to take home. I watch niteline every night and was very pleased to find Marcus on doing his puri-puri shrimp which I intend to order Friday. With all that is going on in the world, it was so nice to see Chef Samuelsson cooking with his smiling face at midnight. I dine at Aquavit very often and spend every birthday there. His restaurant Riingo is also tops.
Marilyn, Glad your experience was better than mine! I usually love Marcus Samuelsson’s food. Maybe a trip back is in order for me.
Well, Bonnie, we all loved our lunch on Friday. The hamburger and fries were the best and now I am spoiled. Had the piri-piri which burst with flavor, the pork sandwich and a mango lassi. Would have licked our plates if it was not bad manners. All the desserts were wonderful leaving us wanting more.
Marilyn — I, too, often wanted to lick my plate, but not at Merkato55. Delighted your experience was better than both mine and of others who I’ve spoken to since I’ve posted this TidBite.
The place is nice and fun, but the door men were horrible. They wouldn’t let my girlfriend and I in unless we bought a bottle and kept poking me when I did try to walk in saying “excuse me you can’t go in unless people come out”…I said 5 people came out and you let a group of 7 in, I have friends inside…please let me go in and they still let us wait in the cold outside until my friend’s finaly came out to get me and he still told me to wait??? That is harrasement if you ask me.
Hello, does anyone remember when the website was up and the site was infused w/ fantastic cultural music? Can anyone help w/ the artist’s name? The music is what drew me to the site and would like to visit the restaurant and enjoy a nice meal embrassed with that same ambiance. Thank you.