Who's Sue Thilo?
A Coeur d'Alene resident since 1985, Sue is a member of the State Board of Education and mother of three Coeur d'Alene valedictorians.

Bar-hopping is not Sue Thilo's pastime unless it's Friday at downtown Coeur d'Alene's Takara Japanese Restaurant.

"Our favorite Friday night date is to go to Takara and eat at the sushi bar," Sue says. "For us it's an event. You never know who you're going to sit next to and you always know you'll get the best sushi."

And a great show. Takara's sushi chefs work magic on a counter in front of sushi bar patrons. They slice fresh ahi tuna, squid, sea eel and more and turn out bite-size beauties. Their hands work knives like knitting needles, and Sue marvels at the results.

"I've learned to expect authentic, fresh, beautifully prepared Japanese cuisine there," she says.

Takara has strived for authenticity. Owner Hisako Tanaka introduced Coeur d'Alene to bold-stroke Ichigai paintings and painted rice bowls and sake sets. She ordered metal roof shingles from Tokyo for the look of the Japanese shogun era.

Sue chooses seating over the sushi bar or traditional private rooms with floor seating and recessed leg room under lowered tables. Takara's fare ranges from tempura and teriyaki salmon to nabeyaki udon, an aromatic noodle soup, and sashimi, raw fish plates.

"It draws people from all over," Sue says. "It's my special place. If it's my birthday, take me to Takara."