ELLA CANTA: Martha Ortiz brings the colour and spirit of modern Mexico to London
Transporting her unique blend of visionary artistry and authentic modern Mexican cooking to London, culinary superstar Martha Ortiz now has a home on Park Lane. Ella Canta (Spanish for ‘she sings’) draws inspiration from Martha’s world-renowned Dulce Patria in Mexico City, blending ancient cooking traditions with contemporary style, within a space designed by internationally-acclaimed interior architects David Collins Studio.
The menu at Ella Canta features several of the dishes that have made Martha one of Latin America’s most celebrated chefs, whilst incorporating fine produce from across the British Isles. Dishes include the fiery, red-hued Vampire ceviche with mango and sangrita sorbet, while Pato al mole negro is a careful balance of duck, plantain purée, red rice and black mole sauce, the latter being a rich, cacao-tinged sauce incorporating up to fifty different ingredients. Many of Ella Canta’s dishes are served with soft tacos produced using masa which is ground on the premises, while the weekend brunch menu is designed to encourage sharing via the likes of Martha’s signature Guacamole with ricotta, pomegranate and gold grasshopper, Oyster with tomatillo granite and Mexican churros with caramel and chocolate for dessert.
Martha’s philosophy and the modern Mexican spirit are brought to life at Ella Canta by renowned interior architects David Collins Studio and Creative Director Simon Rawlings. Strong shapes, soft colours and clean lines celebrate the architecture of Ricardo Legorreta, ceramics of Gustavo Perez and textures of Ernesto Alva. A palette of blush pink, sun-bleached red, blue and tan reflects the architecture and landscapes of Oaxaca, while a hand-carved, floor-to-ceiling walnut installation runs the full length of the restaurant to the bar, inspired by the work of Mexican furniture designer Eugenio Escudero. This aesthetic also extends to Ella Canta’s staff who have been dressed in elegant colour block jumpsuits, suits and dresses designed by British label 1947 in shades of burnt orange, teal and powder blue, accessorised with vibrant floral headpieces.
The bar at Ella Canta is a destination in its own right, offering a carefully-sourced collection of rare mezcals and tequilas, alongside signature cocktails entitled Mexico’s Gifts to the World. Sips inspired by the traditional margarita include the Calavera, with Patrón Silver Tequila, Patron Citrónge, guava marmalade, grapefruit and lime, while innovative mezcal-based concoctions include the La Niña Fresa, with vanilla-infused Peloton de la Muerte Mezcal, Di Saronno liqueur, Cocchi Barolo Chinato, lime, agave syrup and Tepache burdock bitters. The wine list has a strong Central and South-American focus, including wines from Hacienda La Lomita in northern Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe.
Speaking on the launch of Ella Canta, Martha Ortiz said, “I adore London: The art, the culture and the people are all such an inspiration and I am thrilled to bring the food of my homeland, with all its colour, poetry, and magic, to this beautiful city”.