Red Water Kitchen Spearfish: Ultimate Guide to Sourcing and Cooking This Delicate Delicacy

If you're a seafood enthusiast or a culinary adventurer, you might have heard about the Red Water Kitchen in Spearfish, South Dakota. This unique dining establishment has gained attention for its innovative take on seafood, particularly its signature dish, the "Red Water" cioppino. Let's dive into the world of Red Water Kitchen, exploring its history, menu, and the fascinating story behind its namesake dish.

National Beer Week - Spearfish Brewing Company - South Dakota
National Beer Week - Spearfish Brewing Company - South Dakota

Unveiling the Red Water Kitchen

two red and black striped fish in an aquarium
two red and black striped fish in an aquarium

Nestled in the heart of Spearfish, Red Water Kitchen opened its doors in 2010, bringing a fresh wave of culinary creativity to the Black Hills region. The brainchild of Chef Paul Highsmith, the restaurant is housed in a historic building that once served as a livery stable and a Ford Model T dealership. The rustic charm of the building is beautifully preserved, providing a charming backdrop to the modern, seafood-centric menu.

Chef Paul Highsmith: The Mastermind Behind Red Water Kitchen

Easy Grilled Red Fish (Healthy Meal)
Easy Grilled Red Fish (Healthy Meal)

Chef Paul Highsmith's culinary journey is as captivating as the dishes he creates. Born and raised in Spearfish, he honed his skills in some of the nation's top kitchens, including the renowned French Laundry in Yountville, California. His passion for seafood and his commitment to using fresh, sustainable ingredients led him to create Red Water Kitchen, where he could share his love for seafood with his hometown.

The Red Water Cioppino: A Symphony of Flavors

a red fish is swimming in an aquarium
a red fish is swimming in an aquarium

The star of Red Water Kitchen's menu is undoubtedly the "Red Water" cioppino. This hearty seafood stew is a testament to Chef Highsmith's creativity and his ability to blend flavors in a harmonious symphony. The dish gets its distinctive name and vibrant color from the house-made "red water" broth, a secret recipe that combines tomatoes, clam juice, white wine, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.

Ingredients That Dance on Your Taste Buds

The "red water" broth is the canvas upon which Chef Highsmith paints his masterpiece. The stew is brimming with an array of fresh seafood, including shrimp, scallops, mussels, and cod. Each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure peak freshness and flavor. The dish is then crowned with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, adding a touch of green and gold to the vibrant red broth.

grilled fish on a white plate with limes
grilled fish on a white plate with limes

Beyond the Red Water: A Menu of Seafood Delights

While the "Red Water" cioppino is the restaurant's claim to fame, the menu is a treasure trove of seafood delights. From the pan-seared sea scallops with cauliflower puree and capers to the grilled salmon with quinoa and asparagus, each dish is a testament to Chef Highsmith's commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood and his ability to elevate simple ingredients to new heights.

A Wine List as Impressive as the Menu

a red fish is swimming in an aquarium
a red fish is swimming in an aquarium

To complement its seafood-centric menu, Red Water Kitchen offers an impressive wine list, featuring a curated selection of wines from around the world. The list is thoughtfully designed to pair with the dishes on the menu, offering a variety of options to suit every taste and budget.

More Than Just a Meal: The Red Water Kitchen Experience

a red siamese fish in a clear aquarium
a red siamese fish in a clear aquarium
a red and white fish in the water with bubbles coming out of it's back
a red and white fish in the water with bubbles coming out of it's back
some fish are in a white bowl with green onions and red peppers on the side
some fish are in a white bowl with green onions and red peppers on the side
pan seared red snapper fish on a bed of greens and salad with text overlay
pan seared red snapper fish on a bed of greens and salad with text overlay
Snapper fish
Snapper fish
Red Fish Recipe with Lemon in 22 Minutes | Baked Red Snapper - Seafood Portal
Red Fish Recipe with Lemon in 22 Minutes | Baked Red Snapper - Seafood Portal
Pan Seared Whole Red Snapper
Pan Seared Whole Red Snapper
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
Red Snapper with Creamy Creole Sauce
Beautiful Fish , beautiful fish, nature
Beautiful Fish , beautiful fish, nature
a red siamese fish in the dark with its tail extended and head turned to the side
a red siamese fish in the dark with its tail extended and head turned to the side
Tasty Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Dinner
Tasty Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Dinner
BORENUS
BORENUS
fish
fish
an orange fish with blue dots on it's body
an orange fish with blue dots on it's body
red snapperfish in a basket on display at a fish market
red snapperfish in a basket on display at a fish market
Peste scorpion
Peste scorpion
a red fish with black spots on it's side
a red fish with black spots on it's side
GRILLED RED SNAPPER - Community Kitchen
GRILLED RED SNAPPER - Community Kitchen
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a red siamese fish with its tail curled up in the air, on a black background
a red siamese fish with its tail curled up in the air, on a black background

Dining at Red Water Kitchen is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The warm, inviting atmosphere, the friendly service, and the exceptional food all come together to create a dining experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. Whether you're a seafood lover or a curious foodie, Red Water Kitchen is a must-visit destination in Spearfish.

Visiting Red Water Kitchen

Red Water Kitchen is located at 316 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with seating available from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (605) 642-3333 or visiting the restaurant's website.

Day Hours
Tuesday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

For more information about Red Water Kitchen, its menu, and upcoming events, visit the restaurant's website or follow them on Facebook.