Dan's Papers - October 19, 2007 -

The old and beautiful Celtic blessing 'Cead Mille Failte' or 'one hundred thousand welcomes' is featured on the front of the menu here and is certainly very appropriate because you really do feel welcome and at home as soon as you enter 'Diggers' an enjoyable blend of pub and bistro on West Main Street in Riverhead. Stephen Wirth has now owned the restaurant with his wife for two years, and the subtle changes they have made internally have resulted in an excellent bar area plus a very cozy dining atmosphere that offers well spaced tables. They also have a very pleasant private room that can be configured to seat around thirty for a private party or meeting, and which also can be extended into a larger room seating up to eighty people.

Executive Chef Rick DeLuca is a largely self-taught enthusiast who very obviously loves to cook and to have his patrons enjoy eating at Diggers. He seems to work incredible hours and still find time to play in a rock band because his formal college training was in music and he plays many instruments! His menu is very extensive, so whether you want just a sandwich, a burger or a full meal, you will find many dishes to whet your appetite. Judging by the portions we had and which we saw served to other diners, you will certainly not leave without that appetite being sated.

We started with a selection from the appetizer list. Wings were just as hot and spicy as we requested and the potato skin was filled with a blend of very tasty cheeses and bacon bits. The coconut shrimp were juicy, plump and very large, and the crab cake was mainly fresh crabmeat. The breadbasket was full of crisp French bread and very good fruit bread.

We talked with Maryann, our very helpful and friendly waitress about some of the most popular items on the menu, and both she and a neighboring diner who heard our discussion agreed that the prime rib is one of the all-time favorites. Having enjoyed this on a previous visit I would certainly concur because this was a great piece of meat, but this time we wanted to try something else. My British heritage prompted me to explore some dishes from my past. Shepherds pie is one of those dishes that most cultures have, where historically the housewife would use the remains of a joint of meat to make another dish for another day. Greece has moussaka, Italy has lasagna and the British Isles produced shepherd's pie. Rick's version is unconventional and more upmarket because he uses pieces of beef and not chopped meat. It was really exceptional, more a rich casserole, full of taste and topped with some excellent creamy soft mashed potato. Similarly, his chicken potpie is served in a piecrust and not with a piecrust topping, full of white chicken meat and vegetables. Another great autumnal dish, but I would always prefer the piecrust on top of the pie to retain its crispness. Diggers has built a reputation for good steaks and we chose the Porterhouse, which arrived perfectly cooked. This is really a dish for all who love good steak. All entrées are served with the choice of soup or salad and rice or vegetable. The soda bread is worth a special mention because it is a treat in its own right and many people order loaves to take away, which requires a three day notice, no exceptions.

Desserts are outsourced and the choice is changed regularly, and we enjoyed the moistness and texture of the carrot cake.

Diggers has a very reasonably priced wine list, indeed everything here is reasonably priced, whether it is food or drink. Wines by the glass are from $6 to $7 and bottles start from $22. They have a dozen great beers on tap and another 25 or so in bottles. Appetizers range from $6.95 to $10.95; main courses from $16.95 to $26. Early Bird dinners are only $14.95 and include a number of the Irish specials and they have a prix fixe on Sunday and Monday for $21.95. During October, every Saturday will see a special Oktoberfest menu.

Diggers really is a fun and relaxing spot where you can enjoy a beverage or two and whatever food takes your fancy. Whether you are on your own or come as a large group, you will be made welcome and you will enjoy well cooked, really good home-style food and friendly service - what more could you ask for?