Small Coffee Shop Talk

The Fogglifter Cafe

This Thanksgiving was spent in McCall, Idaho – a very quaint resort town located in the mountains north of Boise, Idaho right on Payette Lake.  As our family members are all heavy duty coffee drinkers, we decided to share some relaxing time at The Fogglifter, a coffee shop and cafe right in the heart of McCall.  WOW, what a great place!!  Upon entering, we were warmly greeted. There was an area with tables and chairs and then a room off to the side with a couch and comfy chairs just perfect for our family to gather around and visit.  The coffee was very smooth and the espresso drink I ordered was done to perfection.  They serve breakfast and lunch and also have a goodies case which I just couldn’t resist.  And I’m so glad I didn’t!  The coffee cake was to die for.  I’m certain it is the best coffee cake I’ve ever had.

It would be wrong of me not to talk about the history behind The Fogglifter name.  One might think it was named that because of the early morning fog that envelopes Payette Lake, but in actuality it is named The Fogglifter after the owner’s grandfather, Bob Fogg, who was a local aviator.  He flew the rugged mountains of Idaho for 36 year flying smokejumpers into the mountains.  He logged 22,000 hours or rougly three million safe miles flying a 1929 Ford Tri Motor.   The coffee shop’s theme and decor is centered around Bob Fogg and the airplanes that he flew.  There are pictures on the wall of Bob Fogg in front of his plane, pictures of the crews he flew in, and pictures of some of the rugged territory he flew to.

Another interesting fact about The Fogglifter is that the coffee beans are supplied by the brother who has a coffee roaster in Troy, Idaho.  The House Blend is a very smooth organic coffee, purchased through Fair Trade.

Payette Lake

The Foggliter Cafe coffee bar

The setting of McCall is exquisite.  It is nestled in the mountains right next to Payette Lake.  As you drive south, the terrain opens up to a large valley with breathtaking views in all directions.  The local business owners I visited with were all friendly and tolerant of tourists.  When talking about the snow we were enjoying while there, they were quick to share that winters are long and cold in McCall, but that if you love the outdoors there is plenty to do.  For winter there is an ice rink right in town, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and nearby downhill skiing.  In summer, biking, hiking and water sports are very popular.

All in all, McCall has a lot to offer while still maintaining its friendly small town atmosphere.  And, of course, most important while you are visiting McCall, I highly recommend dropping in to The Fogglifter for some great coffee, breakfast and/or lunch.

OH ….  DON’T FORGET THE COFFEE CAKE!!

Tags: coffee, espresso, fairtrade, Fogglifter, McCall, organic coffee