Recently Reviewed

by Inlander Staff


Bonsai Bistro -- The Bonsai Bistro (housed in a renovated concrete building just across the street from the Coeur d'Alene resort) is a fun restaurant with a cool concept and pan-Asian foods that range from mild and comfortable to fiery and stylish. The interior is understated, with warm earth tones complementing the chic lighting. The ginger chicken and broccoli ($12) is lovely, with the bright green steamed broccoli ringing the plate around a mound of tender chicken in a delicate and flavorful ginger sauce. The crispy beef Szechuan ($13) is hot and tingly, with lots of julienne carrots and celery, green onions and bean sprouts in a spicy sweet and sour soy sauce. Service by the helpful staff is excellent. 101 Sherman Ave., CdA Call: (208) 765-4321 (Reviewed 9/30/04, LM)





Moxie -- Moxie is back with a sophisticated new look and location, with a menu that features Chef Ian Wingate's signature fusion creations, which lean toward the Asian: wok-seared spiced orange stir-fry and coconut jasmine rice available with steak ($12), ahi tuna ($12) chicken ($10) duck ($12) tofu and eggplant ($10) and prawns ($14). Sweet ginger-glazed Rogue River salmon ($18) and sesame seed seared yellow fin tuna ($18) are also on the menu. And fear not, for good ol' American cuisine (charbroiled chipotle-glazed meatloaf ($14) with mashed potatoes) is represented as well. The flat iron steak ($16) was a succulent success, cooked as ordered, with a delicate miso teriyaki glaze and sweet chili-glazed vegetables. 816 W. Sprague. Call: 456-3594. (Reviewed on 8/19/04, LM)





Twigs Bistro -- Twigs offers food and atmosphere that manages to transcend commonly held food court dining conceptions. The lunch menu of the day offers an array of intriguing and competitively priced choices, including sandwiches and wraps ($5-$6), soups, salads, topped baked potatoes, combos and a section called "hot off the grill" where you choose among seven options (battered fish, cheeseburger deluxe, crispy chicken sandwich, ham and Swiss melt, etc.) and get fries and a 16 oz. soda in the deal for $5.95. The Chicken Caesar Wrap with chips ($5.50) was a winning mixture of tender chicken, romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes and artichoke hearts with tangy Caesar dressing in a basil flour tortilla. Delicious and surprisingly filling -- and worth the 20-minute wait we experienced. 808 W. Main Ave. in Riverpark Square. Call 232-3376. (MC)





Kim Do Vietnamese Restaurant -- Kim Do makes it easy to enjoy authentically prepared Vietnamese dishes -- and great service, too. The family-run restaurant is cheerful, very tidy and spotlessly clean. Each table is outfitted with a stainless steel spoon/fingerbowl/chopstick caddy and a stunning array of condiments. Menu items include appetizers, noodle soups, rice dishes, noodle dishes and can be ordered by number. The fresh spring rolls (2 for $2.50) are terrific, translucent rolls filled with shrimp, noodles and vegetables and served with peanut sauce. The Pho Ga noodle soup ($5.50) is satisfying, but the real slam dunk may be the bun thit nu'ong cha gio ($6), a diverse rice vermicelli noodle dish with grilled sliced pork, deep-fried egg rolls, bean sprouts and lettuce. 2018 N. Hamilton St. Call: 487-7700 (9/2/04, MC)





Publication date: 10/14/04