CH James is a cafe and restaurant in Fairfield’s main shopping strip Station Street and it’s aiming to be a neighbourhood hub for Fairfield locals. The fact that it’s named after Charles Henry James, a 19th century parliamentary representative for the local area, is a good start.
The cafe spans over two contrasting spaces. The main dining area and kitchen is a light-filled modern structure which also houses the handy coffee window for train commuters. Bifold doors lead out onto the outdoors area, a charming courtyard adjoining a red brick church with zebra-striped umbrellas interspersed with raised garden beds.
I was invited to try out their menu and joined the breakfast crowd on a bustling weekend morning with the kids.
CH James caters well to families, with pram access, high chairs, frothy babycinos with marshmallows and hospitable smiles even when faced with the mess and noise caused by little people.
The kitchen garden provides some entertainment for impatient toddlers and it’s enjoyably educational to point out the chef as he picks herbs and veges for your meal. Note there is also a small playground within walking distance at Breavington Park.
The menu is not your average ho-hum spiel, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients (the chef is ex-Pope Joan).
I tried the house cured trout, with thin slithers of melting fish adorned by a tangled heap of pickled and piquant greenery ($17). I particularly enjoyed the refreshing fennel and dill salad and you can choose to have it with a poached egg ($2) for a bit more protein.
Dr Marty’s crumpets were beautifully presented with airy whipped ricotta, strawberries and a pot of Melbourne Rooftop Honey, a very reasonable $10 compared to some other places I’ve seen the crumpets served.
I’m not normally one to go for fruit salad when I’m eating out but it was such a hot day that the watermelon was calling my name. It was a delicate tower of fragrant watermelon cubes sweetened with orange blossom water, speckles of granola and a small dab of minted yoghurt ($10). An artful combination of colours and flavours which I think would be suitable as a side or a second course as it wasn’t substantial enough as a dish on its own.
There’s no kids menu as such but our two were very happy with the toast with house-made preserves ($7.50). A very pretty artist’s palette of spreads and condiments waiting to be slathered onto the slices of EDS Bread.
CH James’ coffee comes from Small Batch in North Melbourne, their tea from Chamellia and hot chocolate from Mork Chocolate. The coffee station was super busy on a weekend morning but I encourage you to step inside and pull up a chair for a delicious breakfast in sunny and relaxed surroundings.
HOT Tips:
- pram access;
- high chairs;
- standard menu suitable for kids;
- outdoor courtyard with kitchen garden;
- free street parking; and
- walking distance to Inside the Brick Lego play centre.
CH James, 86 Station Street, Fairfield (03) 9486 3484
Mon – Sun 7AM – 5PM
