Ella Canta opened earlier this autumn, bringing the colour and spirit of modern Mexico to London, and through the restaurant, culinary superstar Martha Ortiz shares the folktales and customs of her homeland. This re-telling of Mexico’s enchanting stories will be seen throughout November, when Ella Canta will celebrate Día de los Muertos, the longstanding Mexican holiday to honour deceased loved ones.
The Painted Black menu will be available from 1–12 November, and will have a continuous line of black running throughout, a line that celebrates life. The dramatic dishes will combine bold, authentic flavours with contemporary culinary techniques, and will be served alongside a striking collection of cocktails. The six-course menu will include dishes such as Seabass with black aguachile, salty mandarin and turmeric sorbet and Quail with black recaudo and caramelized squash purée. For dessert, Corn ash sorbet with edible silver will be followed by María goes to Mictlán, a dessert where Martha’s much-loved María will travel to the land of the dead.
Furthermore, throughout the Day of the Dead celebrations, Ella Canta’s bar will be serving a unique menu of Painted Black cocktails, alongside their collection of rare mezcals and tequilas. These will include The Lady in Black, a fierce, citrussy black margarita dedicated to the goddess ‘Lady of the Dead’, and El Curandero, a fresh, tangy concoction combining Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, mandarin, lime, and Cajun Mexican Falernum.
From 1–4 November, DJs from Latin America will be bringing uptempo Latin beats and carnival rhythms across the Atlantic to Ella Canta. Also enhancing the celebratory atmosphere, the restaurant team will add traditional ‘Day of the Dead’ accessories to their renowned stylish attire, and the space will be decorated with floral displays and candles reflecting the customary ofrendas seen in homes across Mexico throughout the holiday.
