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”.
Notes to Editors
Ella Canta is adjoined to the InterContinental London Park Lane, one of the Capital’s most prestigious hotels. The new restaurant and bar joins Theo Randall at the InterContinental, bringing two renowned chefs to one dining destination in the heart of Mayfair.
Martha Ortiz will oversee Ella Canta as Chef Patron, working alongside Executive Chef of the InterContinental London Park Lane, Ashley Wells, and Head Chef of Ella Canta, Elias Silva Resinas.
About Martha Ortiz:
Martha Ortiz is a chef and cookbook author who is celebrated for her creative, feminine cuisine, her historical research into Mexican food traditions, and the great imagination and fantasy present in her work. She is recognised for resurrecting Mexican culinary traditions and reinvigorating them with modern twists, with an emphasis on the sensual nature of the food of Latin America. Martha shows off her country’s gastronomy with depth of flavours that encapsulate Mexico’s spirit and sense of identity. She has penned eight cookbooks on regional cuisine and distinguished herself as a food writer and a leading chronicler of her country’s gastronomic history. Her restaurant in Mexico City, Dulce Patria, is consistently recognised as one of the top restaurants in Latin America. She is also a regular on broadcast throughout The Americas, including Top Chef México.
Address: Ella Canta, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY
Website: www.ellacanta.com
Reservations: reservations@ellacanta.com // 020 7318 8715
Facebook: ellacantalondon
Instagram: ellacantalondon
Twitter: ellacantalondon
Opening Hours:
Mon to Fri: Lunch: 12pm–2.30pm | Dinner: 6pm–10.30pm
Sat to Sun: Brunch: 11.30pm–2.30pm | Dinner: 6pm–10.30pm
Bar Sun to Wed: 11.30am – midnight
Bar Thurs to Sat: 11.30am–3am
For further press information, please contact Sauce Communications: francesca@saucecommunications.com | rose.hardy@saucecommunications.com | 020 8600 3600