A Restaurant in Paniolo Country

When we first brought a group from the mainland out here in 1980 we stopped for lunch in Waimea at the Red Water Café. It was an experience since we weren’t expected and had a group of 30 people. A phone call went out from the owner to friends and our people helped so that we had an entirely enjoyable experience. Since then the building housed the Edelweiss which was an excellent German restaurant. The owner of the Edelweiss retired and eventually the building was reincarnated as the Red Water Café once again.

We have had dinner there and although not reminiscent of the original restaurant or the Edelweiss, it has definitely established its own niche. On our last visit we were delighted to have Jeff as our waiter. He has served us before and is very knowledgeable concerning the preparations and especially the Scotch menu. Thus, as usual, we began with a delicious whisky served in a snifter so we could enjoy the nose.

The menu has a definite Asian flavor and in fact the restaurant has an excellent sushi selection. Since sushi is not what we came after, we selected from the regular menu. There are many excellent appetizers, but we have fallen in love with the Thai Caesar Salad which is topped with fried calamari, shaved beets, carrots and daikon. It is delicious and something that we always come back for.

For our main course we always have a difficult choice. The Kiawe Smoked Center Cut Pork Chop with Molokai Purple Sweet Potato Palau, local Bok Choy & finished with Ginger Papaya Sauce and the Guava Braised Boneless Short Rib on a bed of Wok Fired Mustard Cabbage & Onions, finished with fresh Tomato & Wasabi, topped with local Mung Beans, served with a choice of Mashed Potato or Steamed Rice are excellent choices. However, the Chef’s Creation fish dish beckoned us and we were not disappointed. The fish was done to perfection, not overcooked and dry but moist and delicious.

While there are several desserts to choose from, we zeroed in on the Dark Side of the Moon, which is a flourless chocolate-truffle torte served with a raspberry purée. It was the perfect end to an excellent meal.

If you have the opportunity to be in Waimea at dinner time, you will not go wrong by eating at the Red Water Café. It is definitely a fine experience.