Eating at rootcandi was so good, we went there three times in five days
Update May 2017: rootcandi has closed permanently
A bit of information about rootcandi and how it came about
Steve Billam founded a vegetarian cafe called Iydea some years ago. Steve wanted to provide something different for customers wanting vegan options. Something fresh and exciting. Steve worked with chef Reuben Waller, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, to create rootcandi.
Soon after August 2015, when they began trailling the vegan tapas nights over a couple of nights a week, they quickly shifted to having rootcandi operate from the first floor of Iydea, every day or the week, whilst the cafe continued on the ground floor.
The demand for rootcandi was so great that, in January 2016, they decided to make it into a full-time restaurant. Iydea was closed in March 2016, and reopened in late March with brand new menus, lunch offerings, and Tappi Hour.
What was so good about rootcandi that we ended up eating there three times?
We were amazed that rootcandi had been open only three days before we tried to make a booking. It was running smoothly and it was so successful that the whole restaurant was fully booked on the first Saturday after opening! Isn't that amazing?
We had one meal there, but I was planning when we'd return before we'd left, because I didn't have the space to try out any of their desserts! Suraj and I returned for lunch a day or two later and I can't tell you how pleased I was with the meal. We then returned with a couple of friends and it was no surprise that they thoroughly enjoyed the meal, even though one of them isn't vegan.
The staff at rootcandi were fabulous. They could confidently explain what was in each dish and they were happy to share their opinion about them when we wanted a little guidance.
Whatever the weather, the glass front makes the venue gorgeous, and the fixtures and fittings are pretty cool. Some of the lights are made from cymbals, and the stands that the food is served on, are pretty cool. They make it easy to share a number of dishes without taking up lots of table space! The owner made the stands and the lights too!
The food is full of flavours that mix really well together, and the way it's presented is so appealing!
Here are some photos to show you what we ate.
I love supporting small business, and if I could, I would only eat at restaurants that are 100% vegan. Both of these boxes are ticked by rootcandi, but even better; the food was tasty and served in portions that enabled me to try and few things without feeling as if I'd overeaten! For me, it was a perfect meal and I know where I'll be eating when I visit Brighton again.
How easy it is for vegans to eat out?
La Polenteria
Coach and Horses
La Tana
Attico Art Centre
Pizza Express
Wholemeal Cafe
Carluccio's
Chiquito
Zizzi
Mildred's
Vegan Eats in Manchester
Nama Artisan Raw Foods
Franco Manca
Redemption Bar
Ethos
Bonnington Café
Grain Store
Amico Bio
222 Veggie Vegan
Can vegans enjoy fine dining?
Is it easy for vegans to be part of work socials that include eating out?
Can you eat out when you follow a plant-based diet?
“The vegan diet is healthy and leads to a compassionate lifestyle. I’ve gotten so many benefits. My weight is easily maintained, my skin glows, I sleep better and I feel more energized.”