Terraza Waterfront Cafe Restaurant In Coeur D’Alene, Idaho: Meet The Chef
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2022 • 4 min read
5 Reasons to Visit® sat down with Executive Chef Bjorn Thompson of Terraza Waterfront Cafe in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Executive Chef Bjorn Thompson of Terraza Waterfront Cafe in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Where did you grow up, and where have you traveled to that has helped inspire and shape your cooking philosophy?
From small town Minnesota; I’ve been all over including New Orleans, Las Vegas, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica. The majority of my time and experience was spending a total of 18 years in Las Vegas.
Terraza Waterfront Cafe in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself.
I cook with a mixture of research in traditions, inspiration from my surroundings and gut intuity.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
I honestly could not narrow down my favorite to a single food. There are too many genres, styles, cuisines, and seasons in the year to pick one. If I had to pick something it would be breakfast foods in general, as it’s the beginning of the day and sets the tone. Sweet, salty, rich, delicate, and buttery—These are some of the thoughts that come to mind when I think of breakfast.
Terraza Waterfront Cafe in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
What are three ingredients that you simply couldn’t live without?
Professionally—salt, olive oil and cilantro. Personally—butter, eggs and hot sauce.
We love the art behind plating. What do you love about designing the perfect dish?
The perfect dish has to have balance, in all aspects. Balance of flavors—fat, salt, acid, heat, and umami. Balance of textures—smooth, crunch, dense, chewy, soft, and al dente. Also visually balanced and practical—stunning to look at with a good amount of color, whether it’s one theme or many colors, does it make sense on the chosen plate? If you tried to eat it would it fall apart or fall off the plate?
Tell us about one of the most creative dishes you’ve created?
The answer to that question is ever changing and developing. Creativity is a personal journey and very subjective from the observer. I will never stop being inspired by everything in the world around me to continue creating more dishes.
Terraza Waterfront Cafe in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
What is one of your greatest accomplishments and/or recent awards you've earned?
In 2021 Terraza Waterfront Cafe was voted best new restaurant in North Idaho and in 2022 we were voted “Best Appetizers,” “Best Salads,” “Best Happy Hour,” “Best Margarita,” and “Best Patio Dining.” I’ve also had 3 articles written about the restaurant and myself.
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in top restaurants across the globe?
Truthfully, I’m not keeping a close eye on many of the top restaurants. We are in an area that is up and coming and does not compete with the top restaurants of North America. I do however do my best to not necessarily follow trends. I just push to be better than yesterday and have fun doing it.
Terraza Waterfront Cafe in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
