Ch James Brunching with Bloggers
Some spaces lend themselves to enjoyment of a leisurely brunch and CH James in Fairfield is a unique space in Fairfield, where locals are imbibing the relaxed ambience. The World Loves Melbourne joined with top Melbourne bloggers Brunch Addict and The Plus Ones on a Sunday morning.
CH James has a wide range of appealing brunch options ranging from lighter options such as Bircher Muesli to the more substantial "Only if You're Hungry" big breakfast. With a plethora of brunch places around Melbourne The World Loves Melbourne searches for interesting brunch options that aren't the same old fare. If we see another smashed avocado dish we'll scream (sorry our personal preference).
CH James impresses with the little touches - such as chic glasses crafted from wine bottles, and the black modern teapots with Tea by Chamellia. CH James resonates with a sense of style, not your average hum drum space. Having visited several times The World Loves Melbourne enjoys the intimacy of the venue and the sense of community.
We enjoyed a catch up in this desirable northern suburbs location, with the large windows bringing abundant natural light, and the outlook into the courtyard appealing. Station Street in Fairfield is itself iconic with loads of history (including CH James an innovator in Melbourne's north in the 1880s), and CH James is leading the way in the modernising of this iconic street.
Franck Verschaeve (ex Pope Joan) the Head Chef classically trained from a fine dining background, and has brought his skills to the cafe scene. The brunch option (above) of House cured ocean trout, salted zucchini, and fennel and dill salad, with a poached egg, impressed on the eye, not to mention exhibited a delicious combination of flavours.
One of The World Loves Melbourne's favourites is the Only If You're Hungry featuring thick cut bacon, roasted potatoes, chorizo, roasted tomato, chickpeas and eggs the way you want. This is a large breakfast but way more sophisticated than a huge fry up at some other joints. It's become one of my brunch favourite dishes in Melbourne because I feel I'm enjoying a large gourmet breakfast that shows technique and doesn't leave me bloated. The chorizo is not fried and fatty, and the accompanying sauce rewarding. A smart relish that comes with this dish has some kick and heat. The roasted potatoes and tomatoes are cooked perfectly, and the thick cut bacon is high quality.
Coffee here is also decent, featuring Small Batch coffee, with Yuta Tanaka (ex Auction Rooms) at the helm...
Another brunch favourite is the Ricotta and smoked trout, soft scrambled eggs with a chive coriander pesto and toast.
Here is the Only If You're Hungry in all it's glory, with chickpeas served on the side.
A pretty dish is the Chickpea stew with chard, roasted pumpkin, almonds and cumin labna, served with poached egg. CH James brings a healthier edge to dishes, on trend.
The Only If You're Hungry dish also features high quality EDS Breads for its toast...
We journeyed into the Edible courtyard garden where Head Chef Franck sourced fresh produce for dishes...
CH James is a vibrant attractive space in Fairfield proving popular with locals.