No :-( Remi's review (Dec 13th 2006)

I don’t think I am a demanding man. When it comes to something like sushi I really just expect fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a fair price, something any roadside diner, three star restaurant, or sushi joint should strive for. I also prefer not getting sick from what I eat, which I guess makes a fourth criteria Takara in Coeur d’Alene missed by a mile.

We intended to share two plates of nigiri and asked the waiter to mix them up a little. That’s not an unreasonable request, and we have had it done at the .com without a wink of a hassle. Anyway… The plates were, as you probably have gathered by now, identical, filled with grey fish and old looking rice. Not even a sushi boat in sight!

Now maybe it was because I was really hungry, or maybe I just wasn’t thinking straight, but I did attempt to eat about five pieces of nigiri. It was awful. Horrible. I’m guessing the fish had been pre-sliced and frozen weeks ago; I can’t remember the last time I tasted anything with the texture. Not that I could actually taste it as the wasabi in the mushy rice overpowered any flavor the fish might have had.

For those keeping count: Takara has currently missed two out of four.

With about three quarters of the meal left we gave up. No way could anybody eat anything like this without getting sick. (Very foreshadowing there.) We tried to politely mention our concerns to the waitress who chose to remain oblivious. “I like to dunk my sushi in wasabi!” With the quality of the fish I guess I can see why. The damage? $40 for sushi, some edamame, and a beer.

Three out of four in other words.

Two hours later I was ready to put the whole experience behind me, but oh no, Takara wasn’t done with me yet. I’m going to spare you for the details, and let’s just say four out of four was now a fact. It was not pleasant.

Takara is a place to avoid. Should you be in Coeur d’Alene and find yourself craving sushi without a way to get to Spokane I imagine Syringa being a better place to go. Their bento boxes are at least excellent.

Yes :-) Betsy Olsen's review (Jul 11th 2007)

I recently visited Takara and was pleased with the service and the food. I am new to the sushi world but am a solid fan of cooked fish. I had the fresh tuna and salmon rolls (the official Japanese name for them has left my memory). They were excellent! and surprisingly filling.

The service was very efficient and pleasant with a casual atmosphere. The prices were also reasonable for the portions.

The only negative thing we encountered was a poor beer selection, only a few micro brews were available. Strongly suggest visiting this restaurant whether you are an avid sushi fan or a skeptical.