Former Lima London chef to head Peruvian restaurant in Birmingham
Located in the suburb of Moseley, Chakana will be the Peruvian-born Ortiz’s first solo project and will serve classic Peruvian dishes with a twist.
The launch menu includes sea bream ceviche, with sweet potatoes, crispy onions and tiger’s milk; and beef pachamanca, cusco corn, black quinoa and Andean huacatay.
Ortiz previously worked at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone and the Four Seasons in Canary Wharf before taking a head chef post at Lima (now Lima London), a Fitzrovia restaurant overseen by high profile Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez. The restaurant won a Michelin star in 2013 but lost it in the 2019 guide.
Chakana has been designed by Birmingham interior designers 2G Design & Build, whose previous projects include the Tap and Tandoor in Solihull.
The 60-cover restaurant takes its name from an ancient symbol used by indigenous Peruvian cultures, the Incan Cross.
It represents the sun, land and sea, and promotes the idea of individuals living in harmony with each other and their surroundings. 2G have created a stripped-back design which celebrates the earthy elements of the Chakana, with textures and colours inspired by Peruvian weaving and textiles.
The bar area brings a vibrant pop of colour inspired by the element of water, while The Vault – a private dining area – references the sun though the use of specialised lighting and the incorporation of gold and brass.
“Birmingham has always had a place in my heart, and after seeing the way that the city is flourishing, I could think of no better place to open my first restaurant," says Ortiz.
Moseley is a beautiful village with so much history, and it is home to a collection of wonderful independent businesses and restaurants. I look forward to introducing the people of Birmingham to the vibrant flavours and colours of Peruvian fare. “
