Bonsai's gone; get ready for MoMo

COEUR d’ALENE — Fans of the defunct Bonsai Bistro won’t have to wait much longer to be served similar fare.

But not the same.

“We’re the same sort of cuisine but it’ll be a bit different,” said Grace McNiel, one of the owners of MoMo sushi bar, wok and grill coming to the former Bonsai site. “I think our flavor is just unique.”

MoMo, 101 E. Sherman Ave. just across from The Coeur d’Alene Resort and Independence Point, is expected to open sometime close to the new year, McNiel said Tuesday. She and her husband, who live in Hayden, also have an interest in similar restaurants in Canon City and Pueblo, Colo. McNiel’s brother is the executive chef, and that’s something of a story in itself.

“My brother, Hyun, and I are second-generation Korean-Japanese-Americans,” Grace said. “Essentially that just means, within the walls of our home, we strictly adhered to the dynamic of the Asian culture, yet outside of that, we completely assimilated into American culture. In our home, food was what brought everyone together and brought health and vitality to our bicultural family. With this dynamic, we bring the best of both worlds to meet the palate of Coeur d’Alene.”

McNiel said she wasn’t daunted by the presence of other sushi offerings in the area.

“We just felt like we could bring something different to the table,” she said. “I think once people try the food out, it will speak for itself.”

Since there’s no menu yet, McNiel said prices haven’t been established.

“We want to be able to reach locals and families,” she said. “It won’t be exorbitant.”

In talking about the positives of the new location, McNiel cited two major pluses. The location itself was one.

“What’s there not to like?” she said, laughing. “It’s the prime location in all of Kootenai County, honestly. It’s an incredible location.”

She also said working with the owners of the property feels like “almost a partnership with Jerry Jaeger and the Hagadone Corporation. We’re so honored to be doing this with them, and allowing us to use that location is incredible for us. We’re all in with this one.”

While a number of details still need to be worked out, McNiel was clear about a major MoMo deployment.

“We’re mobilizing an incredible team we have in Colorado to send here just to make sure we’re set for a foundation for success,” she said. “These guys have been with us for over 10 years. They’re excited to come up here and serve the Coeur d’Alene community.”

Information: momocda.com