a la Carteret
the Clamdigger
by Sandy Craft
Looking
forward to some delicious seafood, my companion-in-eating and I visited the
Clamdigger at the Ramada Inn in 
The Clamdigger may be the perfect place to convene your family get-together, because the menu is extensive, offering something for everyone. The variety ranges from Southern specialties (fried chicken, pork chops, catfish) to Italian (veal, lasagna, pizza), as well as broiled or fried seafood and several steaks (and liver with onions) for you hardcore carnivores. There are nightly specials, all reasonably priced between $9.95 to $15.95.
When
we visited, the special was oysters, which were quite good, plump and crisp
with a light breading...the salad was extra but was very fresh with ripe red
tomatoes and good homemade dressing, hush puppies were hot and yummy.
Cole slaw and baked potato were included with the meal.
With dinner behind us, we moved on to that most important of food groups: dessert. They were out of the “Scrumptious Homemade Pineapple Nut Pie.” Fortunately, we were able to get the recipe so we (and you!) can try it at home.
If you’re just not feeling up to a big dinner, they have about a dozen items for the “smaller appetite.” That would not be me, but I think it’s great to offer a more modest portion and price for those whose appetite is daintier. Some of the seafood plates may be ordered in a smaller portion also. Of course, smaller portions means more room for dessert.
We
did not get to try the breakfast or lunch, but they have equally extensive
menus, with daily specials for $4.95. I
have it on good authority that the Turkey Melt sandwich is unbelievable. I
think I may have to try it...with fries, please.
Longevity is always a good sign in the restaurant business. Not only has the Clamdigger been serving diners at the current location for more than 30 years, but the dinner chef, Andy Beaujean, has been there for more than 20 years.
Our waitress, Lisa, was so accommodating and delightful and has been there for 18 years. That tells me that they feel appreciated and get a lot of satisfaction from their work.
Some things you should know about the Clamdigger: They do not take reservations. Smoking and nonsmoking are in separate rooms and the smokers don’t get the ocean view.
The menu and the personnel are kid-friendly. They offer domestic and imported beers as well as wine, by the glass or bottle. If you would like to book a banquet room, talk with Teri Edwards, the efficient manager. And remember they are open every day, so check it out!
QUICK
BITES
Address/Phone:
Ramada Inn,
Salter Path Road,
Hours:
Payment:
MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club, Personal checks
A TASTE OF… Clamdigger
Pineapple
Nut Pie
1 can
sweetened condensed milk
1 tub
Cool Whip
1 cup
chopped pecans
Juice of
two lemons
2 graham
cracker pie shells
Cherries
to garnish
Sandy
Craft owned and operated a catering company in
She is one of the few people who actually still cooks, but she finds
following
a recipe goes against her nature. When traveling she likes to visit local
grocery
stores and farm stands, and she thoroughly enjoys good food.
See the previously reviewed restaurants on the Restaurant Archive page