I think I’ve found a new favourite. For coffee that is. We are spoilt for choice. Melbournians are just as fussy about their barista as they are about the future parent of their children.
The ceilings are high. Vines hang low from large baskets and mums come in and out with prams. It is noisy with a lively crowd, wooden flooring and bare walls. As I watched the trendy young parents around me, I eyed off the smoothies and avo smash in a large servings with saganaki on top. A writer sits outside patiently greeting every single person who walks past and wants to pat and have photos with his adorable young puppy. That is the kind of vibe at Fourth Chapter.
This Prahran café is the fourth opened by Sarah Jane Whitfield (she was part owner of Trei in Glen Waverley, and Sardi and Muharam in Hawthorn). Co-owner Jessica Whitfield (Sarah Jane’s sister) is the head chef, and co-owner Christian Rocchi was the carpenter.
The house blend coffee is my kind of perfect. Pretty art with less milk for a stronger crema, heavy froth without being too milky, rich without being bitter. It looks beautiful, it tastes excitingly good.
As I sip my beverage listening to Madonna’s Immaculate Collection and the chatter of happy locals with free time on a weekday morning, I am reminded of how wonderful life is. Janet Jackson starts to play – another favourite from my childhood.
There are few vegetarian options on the menu. I chose the waffles but with mushrooms instead of bacon. The stalkless mushrooms were cooked in a little butter. The sweet potato waffles were delicious with crisp edges and a pleasing blend of dough and sweet potato to give a fun attraction between texture and taste. On top was a perfectly poached egg drenched in a fluro yellow hollandaise. It was turmeric pickle that gave it that hue. It was smooth with the usual tang and creaminess. Sweet popped corn and long petals garnished the top.
Other dishes to try include cauliflower falafels, a green bowl and a pumpkin salad. The sweeter brunch options are also vegetarian. Whilst the food was very tasty and well-made, it is the coffee that will be enticing me back.
The ceilings are high. Vines hang low from large baskets and mums come in and out with prams. It is noisy with a lively crowd, wooden flooring and bare walls. As I watched the trendy young parents around me, I eyed off the smoothies and avo smash in a large servings with saganaki on top. A writer sits outside patiently greeting every single person who walks past and wants to pat and have photos with his adorable young puppy. That is the kind of vibe at Fourth Chapter.
This Prahran café is the fourth opened by Sarah Jane Whitfield (she was part owner of Trei in Glen Waverley, and Sardi and Muharam in Hawthorn). Co-owner Jessica Whitfield (Sarah Jane’s sister) is the head chef, and co-owner Christian Rocchi was the carpenter.
The house blend coffee is my kind of perfect. Pretty art with less milk for a stronger crema, heavy froth without being too milky, rich without being bitter. It looks beautiful, it tastes excitingly good.
As I sip my beverage listening to Madonna’s Immaculate Collection and the chatter of happy locals with free time on a weekday morning, I am reminded of how wonderful life is. Janet Jackson starts to play – another favourite from my childhood.
There are few vegetarian options on the menu. I chose the waffles but with mushrooms instead of bacon. The stalkless mushrooms were cooked in a little butter. The sweet potato waffles were delicious with crisp edges and a pleasing blend of dough and sweet potato to give a fun attraction between texture and taste. On top was a perfectly poached egg drenched in a fluro yellow hollandaise. It was turmeric pickle that gave it that hue. It was smooth with the usual tang and creaminess. Sweet popped corn and long petals garnished the top.
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| Sweet potato waffles |
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| Perfectly poached egg |
Other dishes to try include cauliflower falafels, a green bowl and a pumpkin salad. The sweeter brunch options are also vegetarian. Whilst the food was very tasty and well-made, it is the coffee that will be enticing me back.
Fourth Chapter
385 High Street
Prahran 3181
03 9510 2277
Opening hours:
Weekdays, 7:00am to 4:00pm
Weekends, 8:00am to 4:00pm