Strangers with Candy
 

Contemporary
Good Food Guide BYO Top 10
Score 14/20

The colours are bold and the name is cheeky, the service chirpy and the food striking. So take something perky or quirky to quaff, chill out in the courtyard or cosy up at the front, and let the pleasures wash all over you.

The food at this euphemistically named eatery is as colourful and eclectic as the rambling corner terrace it occupies at the ‘Greek end’ of Redfern.

The cosy front room is all timber and banquettes; the rear courtyard’s teak tables and sleek wooden chairs mix it with peeling paint, rattling hot water pipes and a corrugated plastic roof that leaks when it’s wet. Enthusiastic and genuinely warm service combines with Veronica Stute’s deft touch with strong flavours and striking combinations to exceed expectations.

A free-form blue cheese soufflé’s fluffy centre hides chunks of creamy Shadows of Blue, beautifully matched with a fine dice pickled pear and a heady, smokey eggplant. Benchmark duck confit slips from the bone to meet sweet and sour notes from sautéed apple and ginger. Bouillabaisse is cooked and served en papillote: chunks of gold band snapper, prawns, scallops and mussels poached in a complex broth, a creamy rouille adding further depth. Crowd-pleasing desserts run the full gamut of temptation, including a simply sublime lime mascarpone shortcake.

Bill E $12.50-$14.50 M $26.50
D $4.50-$12.50
Cards No cards
Wine BYO (corkage $2.50 pp)
Chef Veronica Stute
Owners Justin Wells & Veronica Stute
Seats 40; private rooms; wheelchair access; outdoor seats
And...breakfast and lunch are deservedly popular on weekends

Hours
Breakfast & Lunch
Sat-Sun 9.30am-3.30pm;
Dinner Wed-Sat 6-9.30pm
Bookings: Tel 9698 6000

Score 14/20
"You could happily spend all day here, including dinner, but weekends start with a brunch bruschetta laden with prosciutto and balsamic mushrooms, or smoked salmon and horseradish crème, assured coffee and service as bright as the sunshine."
Sydney Morning Herald
Good Food Guide 2008
Breakfast Top 10



Score 14/20
"This former shopfront is home to an engaging eatery. The eclectic charm of comforting wood tones, candle-lit tables and burgundy walls and the warm welcome from staff; not to mention the food, which is consistently appetising."
Sydney Morning Herald
Good Food Guide 2007



Score 14/20
"The colours are bold and the name is cheeky, the service chirpy and the food striking. So take something perky or quirky to quaff, chill out in the courtyard or cosy up at the front, and let the pleasures wash all over you."
Sydney Morning Herald
Good Food Guide BYO Top 10 2006



"This smartly named restaurant is newly refurbished with banquettes in the front room and other comfy changes."
Sydney Eats 2006

"Never mind what your mother told you - this is one time you should say yes to strangers with candy."
Sydney Eats 2005