Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Montana, the Echo Lake Café has long been a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike. With a rich history, resounding praise from patrons, captivating surroundings, and a menu to die for, it’s no wonder that this cozy eatery has become a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts and adventure seekers. In this blog, we’ll explore the captivating story of Echo Lake Café, the rave reviews it has garnered, its enchanting surroundings, the sumptuous food, and why a trip to this culinary haven is well worth the drive.
A Journey Through Time: Echo Lake Café’s Rich History
Established in 1960 by Eleanor and Charles Baker, Echo Lake Café started as a small coffee shop that soon gained a reputation for its mouthwatering breakfasts and warm, inviting atmosphere. Over the years, the café has grown and adapted to the changing times, expanding its menu offerings while maintaining a steadfast commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. This dedication to quality has cemented Echo Lake Café’s status as a beloved institution in the heart of Bigfork, Montana.
Voices of Approval: Praise from Patrons
Echo Lake Café has consistently earned rave reviews for its delicious dishes and friendly, attentive staff. Customers especially love the homemade huckleberry pancakes, the delightful eggs benedict, and the savory bison burger. The café’s commitment to exceptional service and a welcoming environment has made it a favorite among locals, out-of-town visitors, and even the occasional celebrity.
Nature’s Bounty: Echo Lake Café’s Enchanting Surroundings
Located amidst Montana’s awe-inspiring landscape, Echo Lake Café offers a truly unique dining experience. The café boasts panoramic views of the nearby mountains, and is close to Echo Lake, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning vistas. Nearby attractions, such as Jewel Basin Hiking Area, Swan Lake, and Glacier National Park, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. The nearby charming village of Bigfork further adds to the café’s allure with its vibrant arts scene, quaint boutique shops, and bustling local festivals.
A Culinary Experience: Echo Lake Café’s Irresistible Menu
Echo Lake Café prides itself on offering a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes. From their famous huckleberry pancakes to their mouthwatering bison burger, each dish is prepared using the freshest ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The menu also features a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring that every patron can enjoy a satisfying meal.
The Drive: A Scenic Adventure Worth Taking
A trip to Echo Lake Café is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that combines culinary delights with Montana’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. The journey to the café is a scenic adventure in itself, taking you through miles of picturesque landscapes and quaint towns. Once you arrive, the warm hospitality and delectable flavors of Echo Lake Café will make the drive seem like a small price to pay for an unforgettable dining experience.
In conclusion, Echo Lake Café in Bigfork, Montana is a hidden gem that offers a delightful fusion of history, rave reviews, captivating surroundings, and mouthwatering food. Its irresistible charm makes it well worth the drive, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience in the heart of Montana’s majestic landscape.
Lula’s Cafe is a charming and cozy restaurant located in Whitefish, Montana. The restaurant is known for its delicious homemade pies, hearty breakfasts, and friendly service. Lula’s Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Whitefish, making it a convenient stop for locals and tourists alike.
One of the main draws of Lula’s Cafe is its homemade pies, which are made fresh daily using only the finest ingredients. Some of the popular pie flavors include huckleberry, apple, cherry, and pecan. The pies at Lula’s Cafe are so popular that they often sell out quickly, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to try one.
In addition to the pies, Lula’s Cafe also offers a full breakfast and lunch menu. The breakfast menu includes classic dishes such as pancakes, French toast, and omelets, as well as more unique options like the huevos rancheros and the smoked salmon Benedict. The lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as daily specials that showcase the chef’s creativity and use of local ingredients.
There are several reasons why you should consider eating at Lula’s Cafe. First and foremost, the food is delicious and made with care. The homemade pies are a standout, but the breakfast and lunch menus are also excellent. In addition, the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a welcoming spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Overall, if you’re looking for a charming and delicious dining experience in Whitefish, Montana, Lula’s Cafe is the perfect choice. Whether you’re in the mood for a slice of homemade pie or a hearty breakfast, Lula’s Cafe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Cafe Kandahar is an acclaimed restaurant located in the mountain town of Whitefish, Montana. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of international and regional cuisine, as well as its use of locally sourced ingredients. The menu at Cafe Kandahar is carefully curated by Executive Chef Andy Blanton, who has received numerous accolades for his culinary expertise.
Chef Blanton has a deep respect for the local ingredients that he uses in his dishes, and he is known for his creative approach to cooking. The restaurant’s menu changes frequently to reflect the seasons and the availability of fresh ingredients. Some of the signature dishes at Cafe Kandahar include the bison tenderloin, elk carpaccio, and Montana Wagyu beef ribeye.
The restaurant itself is located in the Kandahar Lodge, a cozy and intimate setting that complements the restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and attentive service. The lodge is nestled in the heart of the Whitefish Mountain Resort, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
There are several reasons why you should consider eating at Cafe Kandahar. First and foremost, the food is exceptional, and Chef Blanton’s commitment to using local ingredients ensures that the dishes are always fresh and flavorful. The menu offers a unique blend of international and regional cuisine, providing a dining experience that is both sophisticated and approachable.
In addition, the atmosphere at Cafe Kandahar is warm and welcoming, with an intimate setting that is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish.
Overall, Cafe Kandahar is a must-visit restaurant for anyone traveling to Whitefish, Montana. Whether you’re a foodie looking for a unique culinary experience or simply looking for a cozy and intimate setting to enjoy a delicious meal, Cafe Kandahar is the perfect choice.
The Desoto Grill in Kalispell is famous for its delicious BBQ dishes, especially its smoked meats. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, which are all smoked in-house and seasoned with a special dry rub. The restaurant also serves a variety of tasty sides, including mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. Additionally, The Desoto Grill is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a cozy interior and a staff that is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Overall, The Desoto Grill has built a strong reputation for providing a high-quality dining experience, and it is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Desoto Grill in Kalispell is generally considered to be a great place to eat. The restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on Google with over 1,100 reviews and is highly rated on other review sites as well. Customers often praise the restaurant’s BBQ dishes, including their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, as well as their tasty sides such as mac and cheese and baked beans. Additionally, the restaurant has a nice atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff. Of course, individual opinions may vary, but The Desoto Grill has a strong reputation for providing a quality dining experience in Kalispell.
The Grand Wine Tasting is back! Join the FVCC Foundation as we host the Grand Wine Tasting in the new Wachholz College Center at FVCC on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 6pm. Enjoy a variety of wines provided by Fun Beverage, sample local cuisine, and bid in our live and silent auction. All proceeds benefit student scholarships at FVCC. Thank you to the Festival of Flavors 2022 sponsors for making these events possible. For more information, contact the FVCC Foundation office at foundation@fvcc.edu or 406.756.3632.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
It’s time to eat, drink and gather for a great time at the Vini Di Sicilia at the Montana Bonfire. Guests will get the opportunity to explore the incredible flavors of Sicily… without leaving Woods Bay! There will be a three course meal, wine pairings and even a dessert cocktail.
“Vini de Sicilia” at Montana Bonfire Details
Mare your calendars and get your tickets because it takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2002 from 6 until 9pm. Doors will open at 5:30pm and the first course will be served promptly at 6:30pm. The wine or dessert cocktail can be substituted for another beverage of choice. We will be seating the dining room communal style, doors will open early, and we will continue to cocktail after serving our third course.
We strongly encourage our guests to socialize with each other and enjoy this incredible experience!
Tickets are $75 per guest and include Three Course meal, Wine Pairings, and a Dessert Cocktail. Contact us for tickets at 406.692.6026.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Are you a wine enthusiast? If your answer is yes, then mark your calendar for the Whitefish Wine Auction. The Whitefish Wine Auction is three days of Wine, Food and Song and will take place August 10 through August 12, 2022. From casual wine tastings to food and wine pairings at private residences and even a gala and wine auction, the Whitefish Wine Auction has something for every palette. All proceeds benefit ATP’s professional and educational arts programs.
Whitefish Wine Auction Details
UnWINEd – Wine Tasting – Wednesday, August 10 At 5:30pm – Grouse Mountain Lodge – $60.00
A single ticket to our casual after-work wine tasting featuring the exquisite wines of our featured wineries. You’ll learn more about each wine, enjoy tastings, and have an opportunity to order them!
Private Vintner Dinners – Thursday, August 11 At 6pm – The Home Of Carl Straub & Brenda Bernheim – $150.00
A ticket to the private vintner dinner at the Straub Residence in Kalispell. Featuring Chef Andy Blanton, Battuello Vineyards, Blue Samurai, & Lede Family Wines.
Thursday, August 11 At 6pm The Home Of Dr. Reed & Cooke Thompson – SOLD OUT Featuring Chef Earl James Reynolds & Melville Winery
Thursday, August 11 At 6:30pm The Home Of Margo Jacbos – SOLD OUT Featuring Chef Christian Moreno & Chalk Hill Winery A series of exclusive wine-pairing dinners at private residences across the Flathead Valley. Each home-hosted dinner will feature an exclusive pairing of an acclaimed chef with a featured winery.
The Gala Auction & Dinner – Friday, August 12 At 6pm – The Lodge At Whitefish Lake
The main event! Enjoy food, wine, and world-class ATP entertainment as the sun sets on beautiful Whitefish Lake. Featuring a fantastic auction featuring rare wine and wine-themed excursions – including an elegant Mediterranean cruise on the world’s most luxurious cruiseline, Silversea!
The Foley family & Foley Family Wines has had a strong Whitefish connection for years, including controlling ownership in Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier Restaurant Group, which includes MacKenzie River Pizza, Craggy Range Bar & Grill, Ciao Mambo, and Latitude 48, as well as the Vegas Golden Knights NHL hockey team. William Foley’s love of good wine led him to the wine industry. There he started Foley Food & Wine Society to celebrate three of life’s greatest passions – world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and amazing experiences. Foley Food and Wine has a unique and diverse portfolio of wineries in California, the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, France and Argentina. Each has its own individual identity, style and distinctive personality.
Founded in 1989, Melville is a family-owned and operated estate winery with its roots in Sonoma County’s Knights Valley, where Ron Melville grew high-quality and greatly sought-after grapes. In 1996, Ron’s desire to grow cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah brought Melville Vineyards to the Sta. Rita Hills, located in the Western Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Today, Ron and his son, Chad Melville, uphold Melville’s tradition as one of the most highly-regarded estates in California.
Since 1909 the Battuellos have believed that great wines are grown by careful hands and an intimate knowledge of the land fostered by working the soil vintage after vintage. To that end, the Battuello family has cultivated the same rocky soil in St. Helena for over 100 years, producing excellent grapes for award-winning wines in the region. For five generations the Battuello Family has been growing vines in the renowned Napa Valley. Battuello Vineyards, in St. Helena, was founded in 1909 by Matteo Battuello and his wife Serafina, who immigrated to California from Northern Italy. Four generations later, the vineyard is operated and managed by Craig and his son, Dave. They believe still that great wines are grown by careful hands and an intimate knowledge of the land fostered by working the soil vintage after vintage. That is how the family has been able to cultivate the same rocky soil in St. Helena for over 100 years and continue to produce excellent grapes for award-winning wines in this region.
Chef Andy Blanton Andy Blanton is one of the most acclaimed chefs in Montana and the Pacific Northwest for that matter. Blanton, the executive chef and owner of Café Kandahar, is a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s best chef in the Northwest region, and his Big Mountain restaurant has carved out a widely praised culinary reputation for excellence. Blanton moved to Whitefish in the fall of 1999 from New Orleans, where he worked at two prestigious institutions: Commanders Palace and Brigtsen’s. But like many in the industry, he worked his way up from the bottom, starting as a dishwasher in Virginia Beach during high school before moving up to prep cook, cook and culinary school. He describes Café Kandahar fare as thoughtfully constructed cuisine that essentially incorporates a variety of styles and techniques, both classic and modern. It doesn’t really categorize menu options or the restaurant into a specific cuisine. Chef Andy adheres to the farm-to-table approach and cooking with local ingredients as much as possible and without a lot of similarities on the menu, meaning each dish has its own composed features.
Chef Earl James Reynolds Chef Earl is a Whitefish native. Originally planning to be a painter, he switched his canvas to the plate and attended Seattle Central Culinary academy. He previously worked at Canlis in Seattle, and Restaurant Trokay in Truckee, California. Upon moving back to Montana, Chef Earl became the Sous Chef at Tupelo Grille in Whitefish, and was the Executive Chef at the Belton Chalet in Glacier National Park. Chef Earl was recently named the Executive Chef at Stone Hill Kitchen+Bar in Bigfork.
Chef Christian Moreno The Moreno Halphen family has been in the food and coffee industry for over 80 years, and their love and dedication to the craft is always evident, from the flavors in the menu to the décor of the Café itself. Their story began with their maternal grandmother, who founded Finca Don Bosco, a coffee estate on the Talamanca Range between Panama and Costa Rica. Sonny and Choly Moreno inherited this family business, and they, along with their four sons, elevated the estate’s coffee production both domestically and internationally. They created an outstanding product while always staying focused on their values: tradition, conservation, sustainability and respect for the land. Today, the family tradition is being carried forward by award-winning Executive Chef, Christian Moreno, from Swift Creek Cafe, who earned his degree from the top French pastry program, “Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Påtisserie” in Yssingeaux, France. He brings to Whitefish the extensive culinary experience he gained while working for and training under world-class chefs across the United States.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Do you know what is better than a Pint of beer….when a $1 of every pint goes to support the Yellowstone Flooding Disaster Relief. You are invited to stop in at the Sacred Waters Brewing Company on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from noon until 8pm and help support disaster relief and recovery efforts from the Yellowstone floods by drinking.
We are donating $1 for every pint ordered ALL DAY LONG to the Carbon County Disaster Relief Fund set up by the The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation.
Yellowstone Flooding Disaster Relief
“Let’s do our part! Our neighbors to the south took a hard hit with the flooding. Waters have not fully subsided to assess all the damage. But it’s significant! Next comes the clean-up and rebuilding.” Learn more about the Yellowstone Flooding Disaster Relief event and other events at Sacred Waters Brewing Company – HERE.
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
“Our brewery is a celebration of that heritage which has been passed on to us and that we’re passing on to our children. A heritage we can all relate to in Montana. It’s a reflection of everyone’s special place outside…, everyone’s Sacred Waters. When our founder (Jordan) lost her mother to cancer, she decided to establish Sacred Waters Brewing Company as a way to keep celebrating her mom’s love of wild places and people.” Learn more – HERE.
The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation
Mission: Connecting people and building community by catalyzing change and sharing resources to build a strong, vibrant, resilient, inclusive community. “Our extended community has been deeply impacted as this is the worst natural disaster we have collectively endured. With many losing homes, bridges out, and downtown so impacted, our community economics on both a household and community level is also threatened.” Learn more – HERE.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Are you ready for some great wine, music and food? Well head on over to the Taste of Bigfork on April 24, 2022, from 2pm until 5pm. Take time, while you drink your wine and walk from venue to venue in downtown Bigfork. The Taste of Bigfork benefits ImagineIf Bigfork and the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets for the Taste of Bigfork are $40 per person and available for sale April 1 at Electric Avenue Gifts and the Bigfork Area Chamber office. At 5:00 after you’re full and happy, the world’s greatest raffle will take place at the Garden Bar & Grill. Many great items are donated by Bigfork Area merchants for you to win. This event does sell out so get your tickets now!
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Do you have what it takes to cook the best chili in the Valley? But, if you do not want to cook, how are you at eating? On Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 1pm until 4pm, at the Kalispell Elks Lodge & Event Center. Guests can enjoy all the chili that can be eaten including the fix-ens all for $10. Plus, children 12 and under are free. My True Freedom band will be performing live throughout the event. So, come on out to the Annual Chili Cook-Off and have some fun selecting the best chili chef.
Details
1st Place-$100
2nd Place-$75
3rd Place-$50
Peoples Choice- $25 & Bragging Apron
To Enter the Annual Chili Cook-Off Competition you can Email – vvacookoff21@gmail.com or Call – (406)309-0953
Elks Lodges are more than just a building, golf course or pool. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up. Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life. Since 1868, millions and millions of Americans have joined the Elks. Learn more – HERE.
Are you in the Buzz?
406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more. From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our Events Calendar – HERE – and get in the buzz!
Details