Ella Canta, the much-anticipated Mexican restaurant from renowned chef Martha Ortiz, is set to open on 8 September 2017.
The restaurant promises to deliver the beauty, vibrancy and spirit of modern Mexico to London, whilst also being the perfect embodiment of Martha herself, who is a passionate champion of the culture and food of her homeland.
At Ella Canta, Martha will showcase her celebrated style, which blends long-established cooking traditions with contemporary techniques and artistry.
Drawing inspiration from her world-renowned restaurant in Mexico City, Dulce Patria, the new London menu will feature several of the famed dishes that have made Martha one of Latin America’s most exciting chefs, whilst also incorporating the finest produce available from across the British Isles.
Starters such as Vampire ceviche with mango and sangrita sorbet; and Crispy pork and amaranth tamal with chiltomate sauce and pickled red onion, will be followed by main courses including Seafood and lobster pozole with cacahuazintle corn.
The menu will also showcase mole, the rich, cacao-tinged sauce with a deep history that is said to date back to the 16th century when each Mexican woman had her own family recipe.
At Ella Canta ,the Pato al mole negro will carefully balance the intricate flavours of the mole sauce with Gressingham duck, plantain plume and corn-infused rice.
Martha’s philosophy and the spirit of modern Mexico will be brought to life in the design of the restaurant, overseen by internationally-acclaimed interior architects David Collins Studio and Creative Director Simon Rawlings.
Subtle mid-century references from the great Mexican modernists will run throughout, paired with bold contemporary artwork.
Strong shapes, soft colours, and clean lines will celebrate the architecture of Ricardo Legorreta, ceramics of Gustavo Perez and textures of Ernesto Alva, while a palette of blush pink, sun-bleached red, blue and tan will reflect the architecture and landscapes of Oaxaca.
Inspired by the work of Mexican furniture designer Eugenio Escudero, a hand-carved floor to ceiling walnut installation will run the full length of the restaurant, tying together the intimate dining spaces and leading right through to the bar.
Ella Canta’s bar will be a destination in its own right, offering a carefully-sourced collection of rare mezcals and tequilas, and a concise list of signature cocktails entitled Mexico’s Gifts to the World, which will highlight the unique ingredients, stories and cultural references that are so important to Martha’s homeland.