Dive Dallas and the Art of Coastal Cuisine
Nestled in the old Balls Hamburgers location off Hillcrest at Rankin Street is Dive, the unpretentious, unassuming seafood joint that’s quietly become a new neighborhood favorite. It’s not easy to open a successful restaurant, even more so considering the dreary economy, but Dive has conquered the hearts of on-the-go foodies craving the quick and delicious. Owner Franchesca Nor, a recent Miami, Florida, transplant, drew from her experiences living in Aspen, Lake Tahoe, Miami and Florence, Italy to create a menu brimming with healthy salads, wraps, sandwiches, specials and tasty homemade sangria.
Unlike many restaurants that bill themselves as “healthy,” the food at Dive isn’t served with heaping amounts of bean sprouts and a side of wheat grass juice. Instead, the food is clean, simple, fresh and prepared without a deep-fryer in sight. In fact, the only items on the menu that aren’t grilled, seared or steamed are the panko fried cod sandwich, coconut fried shrimp and chicken fingers (both on the kids’ menu).
The appetizer dips are phenomenal, ranging from classic hummus to baby ‘Bella and Serrano ham, and goat cheese, pesto and chili paste; all dips are served with your choice of soft pita bread or crispy Lavash crackers. For the Dallasite craving fresh ceviche, Dive has some of the best around. It varies based on availability and season, but it’s always delicate, perfectly marinated in lime juice and served with a spicy chili dip and plantain chips.
Even the drink offerings at Dive are carefully thought out, including Izzie sodas, coconut water, microbrews, house-made sangria and various complimentary wines and cocktails. Dive is the perfect spot for dinner with the family or dinner with a friend, but it does get fairly crowded weeknights. Visit www.dive-dallas.com to see the menu, hours and location.
Posted on Jul 20, 2011 by Rachel Cook
