Experience the flavors of Syringa and The Bluebird By Jillian Chandler
It was 2006 when husband and wife Viljo and Autumn Basso introduced Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar to the Coeur d’Alene community. Housed in its small, intimate space in midtown, it quickly gained a loyal following and earned an outstanding reputation for its authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and other traditional dishes. Using only fresh high-quality ingredients and wonderful flavors in each dish they prepare, paired with a flair for originality and excellence, guests can taste the difference. In 2019, Syringa relocated to a much larger restaurant space, allowing Autumn and Viljo to accommodate more guests while still providing exceptional food and unmatched customer service.
The Bassos were eager for a new endeavor, wanting “to create and do something different,” and The Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery opened its doors in 2016. Here customers are treated to this casual yet upscale neighborhood bistro-style restaurant with its cozy rustic interior; the menu inspired by the couple’s years of culinary travels and adventures. Seasonal as much as possible, the menu items change frequently with specials offered weekly. From the King Salmon (with mushroom risotto, grilled asparagus, and miso butter) and Fried Chicken (breast, thigh, leg, wing with three flavors/seasonings to choose from, served with biscuit and seasonal salad) to the Seafood Gumbo (andouille sausage, shrimp, clams, halibut, scallop and rice) and Steak and Shrimp (12-ounce New York steak, shrimp, spinach, béarnaise sauce, served with fries), the menu is diverse, with something for every palate.
Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their outstanding wine list, offering incredible selections from all over the world, or something from their great selection of beer, ciders and sours. Those interested in signing up for The Bluebird’s Wine Club, which Autumn takes pride in overseeing and managing, be sure to ask your server how you can join.
In spring of 2023, the Bassos purchased the building that houses The Bluebird and remodeled the space, updating and elevating the interior, and expanding the kitchen. Currently open Tuesday through Saturday for happy hour and dinner, Autumn shares that they are working to incorporate lunch again, with limited hours to start. When it comes to what makes both Syringa and The Bluebird North Idaho dining destinations not to pass up, Viljo says, “At both restaurants, we've had the ability to create a friendly, local neighborhood vibe. The food is unique, the customers are unique, and the employees are unique.”
He and Autumn could not be prouder of what they’ve built, and accomplished, since first opening the door to Syringa all those years ago, and they continue to be humbled by the community’s support and recognition of their passion.
“We live and work in such an amazing area,” shares Autumn. “Being in business this long, we’ve seen families grow up, and we have created so many friendships with our customers. The continued support we receive is humbling. And none of this would be possible without our employees. We are blessed to have an incredible core crew.”
To explore their menus, and find their current hours, be sure to visit their restaurant websites. And don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Whether you take a seat at Syringa Japanese Café + Sushi Bar or The Bluebird - A Midtown Eatery, Viljo, Autumn and their staff are ready to show you North Idaho hospitality at its best, served up with excellent food and an unforgettable dining experience.
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
