It’s summer, and we’re all thinking of the beach. We may not be able to get to the ocean at the drop of a hat, but you can get a taste of the coast right in Snider Plaza.
Franchesca Nor started the restaurant concept, and after about a year she was joined by Victor Corral as the executive chef. Now, Victor is the Operations Manager and a partner with Franchesca when it comes to creating the enticing menu. We visited with him about Dive Coastal Cuisine, and all the goodness it has to offer.
“There’s never been a doubt in mind that what I wanted to do was cook,” says Victor. While formally trained, he originally picked up his techniques and flavor profiles from his mom and grandmother’s teachings.
“We’re not like another restaurant,” he says. “We’re a bit different than most. The reason we need so much staff is because of all of the fresh prep. And luckily we were a little bit ahead of the curve when it came to the pandemic. Our extensive to-go program was not planned for that, but it definitely helped that we already knew all the ins and outs of that, along with our Take + Bake menu.”
Dive’s to-go presence has always been a large part of business, but customers were used to it and the meal subscription plan took off as to-go orders also escalated.
Each week, you can create your own custom meal by choosing from several proteins and all the options for sides. Family-style meals feed 4-6, or you can order individual meals. Add on some extra salads for lunch or a few bags of delicious plantain chips for an easy snack. The restaurant features monthly specials that take advantage of seasonal ingredients.
“If it’s on our menu, we can put it on your plate,” says Victor. “We love that you can mix it up and try lots of different things that you might not even think you’d like or are interested in trying!”
WHERE Dive Coastal Cuisine, serving up light and flavorful fare that uses seasonal, local and organic ingredients whenever possible
KNOWN FOR Salad Sampler - Pick three out of the 12 incredible options and add your favorite proteins (the Hearts of Palm is their number one seller)
CHEF’S PICK Crispy Cod Fish Sandwich, topped with tomatillo citrus slaw, tomato and tartar sauce on a ciabatta bun, and paired with house-made plantain chips and coconut tea
SIPPING ON Hibiscus Margarita is what people flock to Dive for (or order to-go!) and the Poolside Paloma, which was inspired by a paloma found on the beach in Cabo
Overall
Dive features seasonal seafood entrées, and an array of creative salads, sandwiches, and specials – as well as iced teas, specialty sodas, cocktails, and craft beers. Franchesca, Victor and their full staff work to provide fresh, high-quality food for the community. Our seafood is thoughtfully chosen and delivered daily. Their business model stemmed from thinking about the community and what they need. They were inspired by the working mom and dad who need good quality food for their family that they wish they could cook, but don’t have the opportunity.