Food For the Soul at DaDeO

Edmonton's own Whyte Ave was recently named one of the best streets in the country, and we here at Meat VS Veg definitely agree! Located in historic Old Strathcona, Whyte Ave has a wonderful eclectic feel and an abundance of great cafes, restaurants and bars in addition to unique shops and exciting theatre. So it's no wonder that when deciding on where to go for our next review, several Whyte Ave spots were at the top of our list.

On a frigid December day this past week, we felt some Southern comfort was in order (and I don't mean the liquor!) so off we went to DaDeO, a Whyte Ave institution.

Ambiance and Service

Jackie: I love the cozy retro feel of this little diner! The theme is clear and the décor and music fit the overall Cajun theme. DaDeO’s is a little on the small, side, making it a nuisance for groups. Additionally, it is 18+ meaning it is a no go for families. Our server was awesome. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The one thing that took away from this experience was the gentleman working in the kitchen in a muscle shirt and sweatpants. Not only were his clothes grubby but his face was covered in dirt. He was a distraction from the kitchen but when he came behind the bar to serve himself a drink, it became uncomfortable for me, as it was very unprofessional. 

Rating: 4/5

Steph: I really enjoy the decor and atmosphere here; it's a very intimate space that skirts the line between dive bar and kitschy restaurant. Each table has a little (non-functioning) jukebox, neon signs line the walls, classic songs pour out of the speakers, and hip, friendly servers speed around slinging plates and glasses like pros. While most evenings require a reservation, late afternoon on a Tuesday was quiet and we were seated immediately. Our server was polite, knowledgeable and fast, something I have come to expect at DaDeO. As an added bonus, everyone gets a tiny little scone with DaDeO's famous lime green jalapeno jelly, a cute and tasty way to kick off our meal!

Rating 4/5

Taste and Presentation

Steph: After enjoying our scone and jelly, washed down with a Cherry Coke ($4, $2 refills) and a Vanilla Coke, we started with an order of two Cheddar Jalapeno and two Corn Fritters ($10). 

Fried up hot and crispy on the outside, while still soft on the inside, these burst with flavour. Especially good slathered in their slightly spicy dipping sauce, we both agreed they were delicious. Other fritter options include crab and parmesan and sweet potato. For my entree, I had a half order of the Sauteed Veggie Po'boy with Au Felix salad ($9). (All Po'boys are on special Monday and Tuesday).

The only two veggies I really don't like are onions and mushrooms, so I asked that they be left off. Even without them, the sandwich was tasty, with crunchy peppers, zucchini, tomato, lettuce and herb mayo inside a soft bun. The salad was quite plain, probably because they wisely left the onions off of my salad as well! I appreciated them noting that and making the change without me having to ask. The dressing was a nice tangy vinaigrette and the portion sizes were perfect for lunch.

Rating 3.5/5

Jackie:  I ordered the Blackened Chicken Po’boy ($9) with yam fries, and we finished with a shared piece of Pecan Pie ($6). 

The Po’boy was just okay. There was nothing spectacular about it and it was just meat, sauce, and lettuce in bread. I will say that the chicken was not made to order and had evidently been sitting in a warmer for some time. The yam fries are incredible!!! They are battered and beautifully seasoned, making them a must have! Bringing us to dessert, which Steph enjoyed but eating this pecan pie was comparable to attempting the cinnamon challenge for me. 

Rating: 3.5/5

Overall Value

Jackie: I think the value of the meal is nothing to complain about, though $4.00 for a Cherry Coke is quite steep. The food was good, but I’m glad they had a lunch special otherwise it would have been too expensive for my taste. Overall it was a good experience, but this place has the makings of greatness, if they can manage to attain it!
Rating: 3.5/5

Steph: I think the prices here are for the most part spot on. DaDeO offers unique Cajun and Creole food that you just can't get many other places in Edmonton, and the specials, like the Po'boys we had, certainly make eating here easier for the budget conscious. Drink prices are steep, but the choices, such as Alley Kat beer and Vanilla Coke, are interesting and not easy to find at many places.
Rating: 4/5

Final Rating: 22.5/30


Verdict: As long as your party is all over 18, we highly recommend checking out DaDeO! They have choices for vegetarians and fried chicken lovers alike, and combined with a killer waitstaff, great location and cool decor, we will definitely be back!