Born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, Marcus Samuelsson has received more accolades at the age of 36 than many chefs receive in a lifetime. His latest project, Merkato 55, is a bi-level African brasserie that celebrates the diverse cuisine Samuelsson discovered while traveling throughout the continent, researching his award-winning cookbook, The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa. Crafted by Samuelsson and executed by executive chef Andrea Bergquist (formerly of Tabla, Craft Steak), Merkato 55’s menu draws inspiration from the flavors, ingredients and dishes introduced to Africa, the Caribbean and South America by traders and merchants from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India.Marcus Samuelsson was honored with the James Beard Foundation Award for ‘Rising Star Chef’ in 1999 and ‘Best Chef, New York’ in 2003. He was recognized in Crain’s New York Business’ annual “40 under 40”, and was celebrated as one of “The Great Chefs of America” by The Culinary Institute of America. Samuelsson has been featured in numerous national publications and television programs and was the third chef to write for The New York Times “Chef’s Column”.Merkato 55 55 Gansevoort Street between Greenwich and WashingtonNew York CityFor information or reservations: 212-255-8555Photo: Marcus Samuelsson, courtesy of Townhouse RG