Jan 1
2010

The Fogglifter Cafe

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

Payette Lake

The Foggliter Cafe coffee bar

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!!

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Dec 4
2009

SLEEPY MONK REVISITED
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend at Cannon Beach, Oregon where the Sleepy Monk is located.  Since the Sleepy Monk is one of my favorite coffee spots, there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind I was there visiting.
I must admit when I made my first post about Waking Up At The Sleepy Monk, my memory was faulty about being able to see Haystack Rock from the front porch, but everything else was right on.  The barista was extremely friendly and very willing to allow me to take pictures.  And, of course, the coffee was fabulous.  The Barista was very quick but still able to make a lovely design in the form of a leaf in the espresso foam.  And….the Pumpkin loaf was divin

PA250221The "Bar"

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend at Cannon Beach, Oregon where the  Sleepy Monk is located.  As it is one of my favorite coffee shops and roasters, there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that a nice hot foamy latte was in order.  After a lengthy jaunt on the beach, the family slipped on into the Sleepy Monk.  Although we do not have the opportunity to get together often, it has become a family favorite.  A little note here.  My son had the opportunity to spend several months in France through his employment and became quite spoiled by the French coffee and cuisine so he is very picky about his coffee brew and even he looks forward to his caffeine fix at the Sleepy Monk.

I must admit when I made my first post about Waking Up At The Sleepy Monk, my memory was faulty about being able to see Haystack Rock from the front porch.  I’m thinking that’s probably due to the very satisfying coffee they serve and the warm, friendly atmosphere that abides.   Everything else written about previously was right on.

B-e-a-uuutiful

B-e-a-uuutiful

The Barista was extremely friendly and very willing to allow me to take pictures.   He quickly set about making espressos, lattes, and iced drinks for our large family while others patiently waited their turn.  In spite of the numerous drinks ordered, he still made a lovely design in the espresso foam.  How do they do that anyway?

AND…THE ESPRESSO???   —– FABULOUS!!  Not to mention the Pumpkin loaf .

Remember to stop by and visit the Sleepy Monk whenever you visit Cannon Beach, Oregon!

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Sep 29
2009

Hello fellow coffee lovers!

Today, I will be sharing with you another one of my favorite coffee shops called the Sleepy Monk.  The Sleepy Monk is located in Cannon Beach, Oregon on the north Oregon coast.

Cannon Beach is a wonderful seaside community nestled in the coastal range in NW Oregon.  The Oregon coast sports some of the most picturesque beaches on the Pacific Ocean.  Cannon Beach is most famous for Haystack Rock which can be viewed from just about anywhere in Cannon Beach.

The Sleepy Monk is housed in a small house in South Cannon Beach, a little away from the mainstream of art galleries, boutiques and specialty shops, but still close enough to be within walking distance.  It is on the east side of the main street of town.  You will see the Sleepy Monk insignia on the outside of the shop.  You can smell the wonderful coffee roasting before you see the building.  The Sleepy Monk is not a drive-thru coffee shop.  You must park your car to enter the shop or walk to this destination from your hotel or stop by after a walk on the beach.  (My personal favorite.)

The Sleepy Monk is always very busy.  They roast their own blends of coffee so they are not only a coffee shop, but also a place where you can purchase fresh roasted coffee.  They are only open to the public Friday through Sunday.

hotpourUpon entering the Sleepy Monk, you will be greeted by a rustic “old” air feel, but greeted at the counter with the usual and not so usual coffee drink menu.  They also have a wonderful array of fresh pastries in their display case to choose from.  The coffees served are divine and choosing from the pastry case can be a difficult choice….. so why not take two?

While I always enjoy my usual espresso when I visit the Sleepy Monk, my usual routine is to order a few pounds of their fresh roasted Organic coffee as it is much less acidic and more user friendly.  However, you can order as bold as you like.  The only drawback is the torture of smelling the fresh roasted coffee on the trip home!

Again, this is a friendly, family run operation always eager to please their customer.  There are a few tables inside for seating and they sport a few chairs outside on their porch so that you may savor your coffee as you view the people passing by, the beach beyond, and listen to the crash of the waves as they smash against Haystack Rock.

Visit the Sleepy Monk:  http://sleepymonkcoffee.com

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