September 29, 2017

Martha Ortiz Opens Modern Mexican Restaurant in London

By Lauren Jade Hill

Celebrated chef Martha Ortiz is best known for being the culinary mind behind Mexico City’s critically acclaimed restaurant Dulca Patria, which has a steadfast place among the world’s best. Now, Ortiz has brought her innovative Mexican cooking to London with the opening of Ella Canta at the InterContinental London Park Lane.

Joining the Italian fine dining restaurant by Theo Randall, Ella Canta showcases the signature cuisine Ortiz takes such pride in, fusing ancient cooking techniques with contemporary style. Working alongside executive chef of the hotel, Ashley Wells, and head chef of Ella Canta, Elias Silva Resinas, Ortiz has created a menu that draws on the best produce found across Britain, while featuring a number of the dishes she has risen to success with on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fiery red ‘vampire ceviche’ with mango and sangrita sorbet, and pato al mole negro combining duck, plantain puree, red rice and black mole sauce are among the innovative plates on the menu, which are typically served with house-made tacos. The weekend brunch offering then encompasses a selection of sharing plates such as guacamole with ricotta, pomegranate and gold grasshopper, oyster with tomatillo granite and Mexican churros with caramel and chocolate.

Ortiz’s distinct style is then extended to restaurant’s décor. Renowned interior architects David Collins Studio and creative director Simon Rawlings have reflected the concept’s modern Mexican spirit through the use of strong shapes, clean lines and a color scheme of soft pink, sun-bleached red, blue and tan, bringing together the architecture of Richard Legorreta, ceramics of Gustavo Perez and textures of Ernesto Alva. A floor-to-ceiling walnut installation inspired by the work of Mexican furniture designer Eugenio Escudero runs the full length of the restaurant to the bar, and wait-staff wear color block clothing designed by British label 1947.

Commenting on the launch of her new restaurant, Martha Ortiz says: “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 color, poetry and magic to this beautiful city.”