Local couple brings flair and flavor
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Owen Aird
The Syringa. The Bluebird. The Monarch. These are all symbolic of Idaho, as they represent the state’s flower, bird and insect. In addition, each represents a North Idaho dining establishment that has become synonymous with Coeur d’Alene. Thanks to owners Viljo and Autumn Basso, Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar, Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery and Monarch Ramen + Noodle House are well-known and loved throughout the community—and beyond.
The names reflect an appreciation for this place they call home; the restaurants an homage to their travels and the various cuisines they’ve experienced throughout them.
It all began in 2007, when the couple introduced their first restaurant to the Coeur d’Alene community—Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar. Satisfying customers since first opening their doors, you are guaranteed to find the best sushi and modern Japanese cuisine North Idaho has to offer! Using only fresh high-quality ingredients and wonderful flavors in each dish they prepare, guests will taste the difference. And with a flair for originality and excellence, Syringa continues to stand apart from the rest. Stop in for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Down the street from Syringa is where you will find The Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery, which the husband-and-wife team opened in 2016. Quickly garnering a large following that continues to flourish, this casual neighborhood bistro-style restaurant serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, featuring a menu inspired by the couple’s 25 years of culinary travels and adventures.
Seasonal as much as possible, the menu items change frequently with specials offered weekly, allowing diners to try something new each time they visit. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their outstanding wine list (don’t forget to join their monthly wine club!) or something from their great selection of beer, ciders and sours.
Join them for dinner 4 to 9pm Tuesday through Thursday and 4 to 10pm Friday, with lunch and dinner served weekends, 11am to 10pm Saturday and 11am to 9pm Sunday.
When dining options offered by the couple seemed like they couldn’t get any better, the Bassos added yet another restaurant to the mix—Monarch Ramen + Noodle House. Opened fall of 2019 to fill a void and bring new flavor to town, the intimate and casual 42-seat restaurant serves lunch and dinner 11am to 8pm Tuesday through Sunday and features a menu of house-specialty ramen and noodle dishes (with vegetarian and gluten-free option available), as well as a variety of small-plate options.
Offering three distinct dining destinations, Viljo and Autumn are proud to provide each guest a unique—and delicious—meal, no matter where they choose to take a seat.
Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar
1710 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.664.2718 | SyringaSushi.com
The Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery
816 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.665.3777 | MidtownBluebird.com
Monarch Ramen + Noodle House
1401 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID
208.966.4230 | MonarchNoodles.com
