You could try to resist, but you’ll eventually be flagging down the waitress and sheepishly requesting an order – or a second order. They don’t judge.-Adrianna MacPherson
10548A 82 Ave., 780-433-0930, dadeo.ca
House Fries With Herb Aioli
at Canteen
When you eat salty fries, there’s often an accompanying greasy feeling. But that’s not the case with Canteen’s house fries.
The fries are salted so nicely that eating them by themselves would be good enough, and just as good as any fry covered in seasoning.
What’s even better is biting into the fries’ crisp exterior – unlike some floppy fries floating around out there – and enjoying the soft, tasty insides.
The fries are served with Canteen’s homemade aioli dip – a combination of herbs, garlic, dill and mayonnaise. The unique flavour helps nicely balance out the salt. -Alexandra Bessant
10522 124 St., 780-485-6125, canteenyeg.ca
Werewolf Fries
at Daravara
Sure, french fries make for a classic, traditional and reliable side dish but, sometimes, when the moon is full, these fried potatoes can transcend their meek side-dish status and unleash a flavour frenzy no protein on its own can achieve.
At Daravara, the transformation happens when house-made hot sauce and chipotle cheese sauce are added to a heaping pile of classic cuts. Add to that some malt vinegar, chopped green onion and your choice of grilled chicken, house-smoked bacon or coffee-rubbed brisket, and this once mild-mannered dish becomes a wild and rarely experienced palate-pleaser.
For the carnivorous, I recommend topping with the coffee-rubbed brisket. The tender meat offers no resistance as your fork tears away, clawing at each ingredient for that one perfect, ravenous bite. -Cory Haller
10713 124 St., 587-520-4980, twitter.com/daravara
Garlic Fries
at Meat
Go to the United States, and a lot of the best barbecue joints are just as famous for their sides as they are for their briskets and ribs.
Likewise, at Meat, a lot of thought has gone into the sides. If you order these fries expecting a dusting of garlic powder, you’re in for a surprise – they actually pack a massive garlic punch. In fact, instead of dipping sauce, it might be an idea to fill a ramekin with Listerine and serve it on the side. After all, these delicious, crunchy and super-garlicky fries are definitely a signature item, but they could ruin a date night. No kissing after even a couple of bites.