Basecamp Cafe

 

 

 

We have been in business since end of August 2012- and so far there have been many smiles, laughter and also many tears. It definitely has it ups & downs. We figured out REAL quick that the business is not about dreaming up delish recipes and serving customers- making tons of money. It is very labor intensive, chef has 6 burners going, the flattop, oven, mixers and blenders going at the same time a beautifully orchestrated symphony of eggs, waffles, bacon swirling all together in unison...
I really don't see how he does it.
We have 2 part time baristas and a cook. Dishwasher- c'est moi! ...which I actual love- I kinda zen out in the mountain of dishes and warm water. "Our once in a while when not skiing weekend warriors"- Julian helps with the prep and dishes, Sophia has become quite the barista and can serve you a mean latte of any sort. Auguste works out side cleaning and maintaining when he is not inside eating a croissant or cinnamon roll and Foghorn is the tester and loves to taste test especially the sweet stuff.

Unfortunately Pierre is always "on" he picks up his cell phone on his day off and Christmas was horrible this year- because of employees, schedules etc.- NO FUN.
We had to fire 2 employees, one for stealing and can you believe it...bad mouthing us? You get all kinds of folks applying for jobs, and you just have to cross your fingers that you made the right decision. We are learning e.v.e.r.y.d.a.y.

On the bright side; the community of Columbia Falls has embarrassed us with open arms- we have a huge following of locals...and are bracing ourselves for spring and summer when the tourists arrive. A good draw is also the outdoor seating we offer with picnic tables. Our happy campers are everything from the loyal church ladies, pastors, teachers, high schoolers, seniors, hikers,  bikers, loggers,  snowmobilers,  hipsters,  mommies and the daddies bringing in their kids for a bite to eat. Our beautiful librarians, the dentists, lawyers and the local judge- several of the EMT's come to eat and rush out with sirens blaring when they are called out- we are blessed and truly grateful for this opportunity to run a little neighborhood cafe.

We are known for our eclectic yet traditional breakfast & lunch and are now open for brunch on Sundays. We serve waffles, breakfast burritos, pulled pork sandwiches, salads to name a few. I think the customers pick up on our relaxed and unpretentious attitude- the cafe is very warm and cozy.
The atmosphere is casually rustic- people enjoy the outdoorsy look we have going. Young & old seem to enjoy our little space, the good word is spreading- and that is something to smile about!

If you in these neck of the woods stop by and say Hi!

Here is our Facebook page: Base Camp Cafe



This is from Stockyard cafe in Bozeman MT it's called "The way" ...love this! Thinking we have to make this "Base Camp Way" too...

o Keep your fork ! o If you have a fork, you don't need a spoon to stir your coffee. o Don't expect ice.

o Expect ice cream on any dessert--whats dessert without it ? o Tuxedos optional. o Kill or remove ants crawling on the counter. o Pass the Tabasco or ketchup to your needy o Wait till bean asks you for your order.......there is an order to things believe it ... or not. o Move down when people need to sit. o Put money out on the edge of the counter when you're ready to hit the road. o If you are becoming or are a regular, lets exchange names....expect me to know it after 3 visits. o When we are in the weeds, expect to clear off the tables yourself o Read the hours on the door--we don't advertise, so tell your special friends. o Feel free to come in right at closing or even after--we are flexible with that. o We don't make promises about eggs--they come "over" or "scrambled" o Don't take more coffee if you aint gonna drink it-- o Use all the syrup or ketchup you squirt on your plate.take scraps to dogs. o Say goodbye whenya leave. greetings are part of the deal here. o If you ask me "whats good" expect a smart remark o Read the boards o Tell me to quiet down. i will tell you to clean your plate. o Save room for dessert, always. o If you really hate the music, say so, i will change it. o Expect truthfulness, as will i. o If your food has arrived, your friends food will follow. o Coffee guzzlers--look for coffee carafes on the counter. o Expect the unexpected. o Remember, we need you, you need us. we are all in this together. love alot. o Hate little. o Live by your heart and keep finding it at the stockyard cafe. o   o In Whitman's words. "i celebrate myself and sing myself, and what i assume you shall assume for every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

Prairie Sisters Party

 

 

 

Saturday we loaded up in the pick up and drove down to Kalispell to the annual Prairie Sisters Party. I couldn't make it last year so I was really eager to see what all the fuss was about this year. Lots of different vendors, jewelery, furniture, jams & jellies, antiques, signs and collectibles or as they call it junk- fun junk. I love exploring and seeing new ideas and new ways of giving salvage furniture- wood new life.
It was a grand time and something for everyone even the birds....

... of all the images the one with the 2 ladies in front of "Matties jams & jellies" was my favorite- they were just too sweet!

Go....Diva!

 

Research tells us that fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate

-Sandra Boyton

I will be visting prairie sisters in Kalsipell today
- lots of great vendors and artists, should be really fun!

Wishing you a sweet weekend :)



 

Imagine sunshine

It is the artist's business to create sunshine when the sun fails.

- Romain Rolland

***

 

There is a little gazebo in "Duck Park" that is covered from top to bottom with beautifully handmade ceramic tiles that local kids have created. When I feel a little wintry blue it's a lovely little space to muse at all the special designs and words. Their art & imagination brings a little sunshine for the soul on grey days.

 

 

Do you have a little place where you can imagine sunshine?

 

 

 

Sunshine & dishes

 

Like fireworks the sun is out -the airplane patterns crisscross the bright blue sky and the mountains are once again freshly dusted with snow. It is a beautiful morning in Montana.

I take the long road to the cafe this morning- breathing it all in... the crisp cool air
 

 

 

the bright sunshine on my face

Down pastures and barbed wire fences

 

 on this old dusty road

past meadows and old barns

I want to be outside today...but there is a mountain of dishes waiting at Base Camp. 

 

John Muir once said ; The mountains are calling and I must go

 

unfortunately so are the dishes....


 

~ Mi Casa ~

  

 

 

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams"

- unknown