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Food (5 out of 5 stars)
Décor (4 out of 5 stars)
Service (4 out of 5 stars)
Price $$$
By Melvin Francisquini
In case you have been away from NYC for the past 2 months, practically every newspaper in town has
written a review on Merkato 55. Melvin’s Guide went for a quick visit and
has confirmed that Merkato 55 is here to stay!
It’s been a long time since I have dined in Meat Packing District, but alas French Tuesdays (held
at Buddha Bar) brought me to the area. I wanted to try a new restaurant and have
been hearing/reading all about Merkato 55. I asked my dear friend from Chicago,
Nina, if she would be into African cuisine. I was elated when she text’d
me, “Sure!” and booked a reservation for party of 2 @ 6:30p.m. Nina
was recently staffed on a NYC client and I was excited to show her a night out, Melvin’s Guide style. My plan was to start with a sensible dinner and end up at Buddha Bar for the infamous French Tuesday’s
parties. Little did I know that we would end up having an excellent staff at
dinner, entering Buddha Bar VIP style and hanging in the VIP area within Buddha Bar (Thanks Urszula!). Now for the munchies!
We walked into
Merkato 55 at approximately 6.30 p.m. and the restaurant was generally empty, the hostess walked us upstairs and sat us at
a pretty decent spot. The décor was simple yet reflective of it’s African decent. We started with
the Spicy Shrimp Chili Sambal and the Merguez Sausage (w/ corn pap, chili mustard sauce). The sambal was definitely
on the Mexican side of spicy, but that is my favorite (just a warning for those that aren’t fans). As for the
Merguez sausage, WOW!!! This has got to be my favorite dish to-date. I would love to ask the chef how he prepared
this dish to give it this unique, succulent flavor that is perfect alone but also goes well with the corn pap.
For our main dish, Nina ordered the Honey Glazed Duck (w/ banana and plantain salad), I ordered the Lamb Kefta (Meatballs
smoked tomato, fried egg) and we both split a side of French fries. Once again, a brilliant preparation by Chef Samuelsson!
I’m not sure how my readers like their dish in a pot, but I personally went ahead and mixed in the sunny side up eggs,
with the tomato and the lamb meatballs. It was just wonderful and I also managed to sneak in a taste of Nina’s
duck, while she wasn’t looking – LOL. Also note that the duck was very well prepared and offered a unique
taste, not surprising considering the sides it came with. We couldn’t stay long enough to enjoy their dessert,
but rest assure I will be returning and not just once. Merkato 55 offers an authentic ambiance, excellent wait staff,
food with some of the richest flavors in town. To see more menu items feel free to go to Merkato 55 website: http://merkato55.com/ Receipt Tempranillo
12 2xGinger
Ale
8 Sausage
13 Glazed
Duck
16 Kefta
19 Fries
7 Chili Sambal
4 Bill Total
$85 Tip
$16 TOTAL
$101 Split by 2 = $50 per person
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