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Early cross-channel fare, somewhat reduced? (11,9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

continental breakfast

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'early cross-channel' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'fare somewhat reduced?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'fare' could be 'breakfast' (breakfast food is a kind of food) and 'breakfast' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'continental' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for continental breakfast that I've seen before include "Light morning meal" , "Fare from abroad" , "Coffee and croissants" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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