Have I mentioned that I'm a bit of a Mexico fan? It had me at tacos and tequila, but throw in the country's infectious thirst for life and I'm a goner. Unsurprisingly, choosing where to honeymoon was one of the easiest decisions of 'wedmin' and I'm on my way there as you read this to savour the fruits (or agave spirits) of our labour. As I write on the flight to Mexico City, I’m taking inspiration for this post from my awaiting destination; namely its Day of the Dead traditions. 

Meanwhile, back in London, there's a pretty hot taqueria buzz in the capital, of which I feel Corazón is still at the helm. [Side note: for crying out loud, GO if you've not yet been!] The latest opening on the scene, Ella Canta, promises us something a bit more polished, which I'm not suggesting is always a good thing. Yes, it's basically in a hotel lobby and yes, it's on stuffy Park Lane, but we're still hungry to give it an ‘aul whirl.  

Girl boss and chef patron Marta Ortiz knows her way around a media interview, writes cookbooks like they’re going out of fashion and magics up dishes (enter, Pink mole) from her Mexico City restaurant Dulce Patria; ranked no.48 in the world. To tie in with Dia de los Muertos, Ortiz has created a tasting menu to honour those who are no longer with us. Black is weaved into dishes as a means of celebration, rather than harking back to darker times.

Food highlights include Seabass crudo with black aguachile, and the right-side-of-charred quail dish. Comforting tamales, creamy corn-stuffed pillows, are like a warm hug on a frosty morning. Turmeric sorbet is easily forgettable, but the corn ash pudding can come around for supper any day of the week. You can serve me all the posh Mexican fare you like, however few things beat deep fried tacos, which come as snacks at the beginning. Hurrah for more cheesy pockets of gooey gorgeousness in life!

The cocktails are on point, as are the glassware and gizmos on the side. Lady in Black, a properly punchy and very drinkable margarita, scoops first place for me. There's also a superb range of mezcals to discover. Order a tasting flight and it pretty much comes with a Ferris wheel and mariachi band to boot. YASSS, now this is what I'm talking about.

Before tonight, black conjured up thoughts of cycling home on cold winter’s nights, sinfully soulless restaurants and generally dark times. But, when I chat with Ortiz, she lights up when telling me about her family's Dia de Los Muertos traditions. So, even on the darkest day, you know there really is light at the end of the tunnel.

In summary, Ella Canta is a place where the portions are small but flavours are big and spicing is bold. I won't do the tasting menu again, but I will go back for all my favourite bits washed down with all the mezcal.  

Five Very Kerri things about Ella Canta

1. Bringing new Mexican vibes to London

2. A non-hotel-like restaurant in a hotel

3. Powerhouse girl boss vibes from Marta Ortiz

4. Cheesy pillows of loveliness

5. Mezcal tasting flights

By Kerri McGuinness

Visit Verykerri.com | Twitter @Kerrimcguinness |  Instagram @Kerrimcguinness

Learn more about Ella Canta here: www.ellacanta.com

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