What's In the Name.
During yet another one of our many escapades in and around Melbourne we ventured down to Preston checking out Cheshire's namesake.This could either send us leering backwards as a vampire would cowering in a church or grinning from ear to ear like a Cheshire Cat out of sheer satisfaction.
As I have always been a fan of the fictional Cheshire Cat a character from Alice in Wonderland, I was excited to tumble into the rabbit hole of flavors Cheshire would bestow upon me.But I would find out the name was actually chosen for the simple reason of it being a beautiful name which suited the cafe to a T.
Entering the chic industrial space one can't help notice and appreciate the bright red fire engine colored coffee machine,with the words Cheshire boldly written across the side and an old shop front counter pieced together intricately with the Scrabble game letters.
The exterior portions of Cheshire has enough seating for that much needed sunshine.With a chair creatively hung from the corner of the building.Across the road is a park where you can take your dogs for a walk or kids for a play,being 2016 you're wondering"What about the Pokemon situation?"well you're in luck the reserve is a Poke-stop and there's plenty of Pokemon roaming around.
The Food
Refreshment wise there is an assortment of options.You can choose from a range of cold pressed juice or if you need a wintery warm hug on a cold rainy day then Id suggest the hot chocolate as this might be more to your liking.
I'll get to the good bit soon..the food!
Specials menu Cheshire
Monique the friendly manager walked us through the menu as well as the specials.Each dish sounded as good as the last but finally unable to resist any longer we succumb to the elusive Barramundi burger as well as the Polenta dish tooth and nail.
Though I was torn between choosing the French toast characteristically known for its oozing precious nectar(Acer saccharum)maple syrup and its moist buttery bread.To my surprise the savory option won the day.
The Barramundi burger with brioche bun had a great stage presence and I almost felt guilty disturbing it as I chomped into the juicy fish flesh(try saying that 5 times in a row).This is truly a burger made with complex flavors capturing the essence of what a fillet o' fish wanted to be if only it could make it past puberty.
Onto the Baked Polenta with poached eggs,caramelized onion,crispy prosciutto,spinach and Hollandaise sauce also another well presented plate.The small detail of the edible flowers added subtle but thoughtful machinations to the Polenta.Perfectly poached eggs effortlessly opened revealing rivers of running yolk which converged symbiotically with the caramelized onion.A lovely meal with hints of sweetness but overall a good dish.
General Impressions
The service was great with friendly capable staff which is crucial when running a successful business.Regarding the cafe on an aesthetic level it has an identity and knows who it wants to be but sadly the outside portions don't follow suit and come across feeling half finished cold empty and cheap.
In conclusion I feel Cheshire is an important stepping stone for Preston, adding a familiar Fitzroy feel that would otherwise be absent.
The location and the look are definitely a thumbs up from me,and if I was in the area again I would definitely come back because it's worth it!
Tip#Order the Barramundi burger you won't be disappointed.
The taste is unreal and it's also highly instagrammable which.. let's not kid ourselves feeds the hunger our eyes also crave.
Next time you're in Preston make your way to Cheshire Cafe and tell them Melbourneyum sent you :p.And let me know how many Pokemon you capture. read more