Ixchel, a pocket of Mexican warmth on King’s Road, first opened the doors to its cactus-filled corner of Chelsea back in November of 2023. Now, if you hadn’t popped in for a taco and margarita prior to this moment, perhaps the appearance of a fresh 2025 lunch menu and an inaugural cheffy collab is enough to hook you in. Calling all who are a sucker for a good salad, listen up and listen close. Georgia Salamat, founder of the social-media-supremacy and London açai chain, Açai Girls (as well as a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef) headed into the kitchen with Ixchel’s Head Chef, Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, to develop Wolf Moon Salad. Alongside, a Spicy Mango Margarita has been launched as a new addition to Ixchel’s cocktail menu, a fresh and zingy accompaniment to the Wolf Moon Salad. Brightening the final winter months with a touch of spice (and Tajin).
Ixchel's Salad Collab with Açai Girls Founder, Georgia Salamat
5th February 2025
Georgia Salamat, Founder of Açai Girls, has teamed up with Ixchel in Chelsea to serve up a fresh new super salad and a fiery cocktail packed with Mexican heat to see us through the last stretch of winter. Pippa Lowe headed down to King’s Road to give it a taste.
Introducing Georgia Salamat's Wolf Moon Salad
I was welcomed to sample the new Wolf Moon Salad and Spicy Margarita alongside a selection of delectable plates from Ixchel’s lunch menu. Dipping below street-level to the hidden tequila bar area, a long table was waiting for us alit with candles and blooming florals. Georgia introduced the Wolf Moon Salad, mentioning that during COVID, those in her household would take turns cooking, moving around the world with their dishes. When it came to Mexican influences, she always returned to this salad staple. “At the heart of Mexican cuisine is a celebration of bold flavours and vibrant ingredients, and I’m all about taking that energy and giving it a fresh twist. For this dish, I’m staying true to tradition while adding my own personal touch—something unexpected but still authentic. It’s all about honouring the roots of Mexican food while making dishes exciting,” says Georgia.
The salad is built around a base of black rice, topped with tomatoes, sweet potato, avocado, spring onion, fresh mint, and mango. The real stars are the crispy pearls of charred corn and Biquinho peppers, adding a burst of sweetness and crunch to every bite as they sneak into the mix, switching up the textural elements mas you dig deeper into the bowl. All of this is drizzled with a smoky chipotle and orange dressing, tying everything together. The Spicy Mango Margarita offers a smooth, balanced heat that goes down easily (almost too easily!). Rimmed with Tajín salt and made with homemade scotch bonnet and mango purée, this juicy, addictive drink pairs perfectly with the smokiness of Georgia’s salad.
