Martha Ortiz at the Intercontinental London Park Lane

The Mexican chef speaks exclusively to Portfolio about bringing her acclaimed take on her country's cuisine to the UK capital

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I'm very excited to be opening in London. It is such a cosmopolitan city, open to new tastes and cultures. I believe it is ready for my creative cuisine, which is all about telling stories beyond the food. The name of the restaurant, Ella Canta, symbolises the passion, pride and femininity of my cuisine. I love educating people about the history of Mexico, reinvigorating long-established Mexican culinary traditions with contemporary techniques and artistry. Eating at Ella Canta will be a sensual experience with a real sense of enchantment, just like the magical realism of my great friend (author) Laura Esquivel. I believe cooking is like being an alchemist, transforming with ingredients like epazote (a Mexican herb reminiscent of oregano), piquin chilli and hibiscus to give real depth of flavour to the plate. My mother was a painter and many of my dishes are presented in a frame with a real sense of theatre.

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