Merkato 55 is open for business. Marcus Samuelsson’s African themed restaurant on Gansevoort Street has finally opened to the public. I stopped in the other day to take a look at the interior and was pleasantly surprised. Menno Schmitz, the Dutch architect who designed the restaurant, did a wonderful job. The place was very busy and the hostess, well she was just so friendly. I can’t wait to eat there! I suggest you all stop in and try some of those specialty African drinks at the bar.