1. O NOIR RESTAURANT
Located on Church Street (near Yonge and Bloor), on the outside, O Noir appears to be just like any other fine dining. But, on the inside, everything seems unclear and - dark? O Noir boasts to being Toronto's first-ever "in-the-dark" restaurant. Apparently, experts claim that consuming food in the dark accentuates senses other than (lack of) sight, which makes the taste of food seem even more intense (and, hopefully, delicious!) It helps us emphasize with vision-impaired people who have to live in the dark on a daily basis and even specifically targets them for rewarding career opportunities. With appetizers (like grilled o noir octopus), entrees (like filet mignon), and deserts (like chocolate cake), it's no wonder Torontonians love eating in the dark at O Noir's - the food is delectable to begin with!
2. MILDRED'S TEMPLE KITCHEN
Lying on Hanna Avenue in Liberty Village, Mildred's holds a fascinating menu, but along with a Hell's Kitchen-like (not so) secret: it charges customers to hook up in their bathrooms! Of course, they only do this on their weekend of "Big Love" (Valentine's Day), but they're used to it - Mildred's confesses that customers fool around in their unisex stalls, regardless! Besides their appreciation for their customers' "need" for romance is their need for good grub. Mildred's promises a selection of unique dishes for brunch (like Dr. Seuss' fave: green eggs and ham), lunch (gnocchi poutine), dinner (crisp pork belly), and dessert (homemade cookies). Thanks to Mildred's Temple Kitchen, I now know these food combinations (and "paid" sex in restaurant bathrooms) exist in real life!
3. THE RAINFOREST CAFE
The Rainforest Cafe mostly delivers in the US and exotic locations across the globe, but thanks to its convenient, local spot in Yorkdale Mall, I can now understand its popularity. Upon entering and sitting at your table, you indulge in a scenic and scrumptious experience. The thunder, lightening, and roaring grunts of rainforest animals creates the ultimate jungle-like experience - along with irresistible, flavourful dishes! The Rainforest Cafe offers a wide variety of selection in seafood, steaks, burgers, and more. The most memorable meal? Tangy shrimp skewers mixed in with crispy Jamaican rice and roasted veggies. For desert? The cafe's very own original Volcano Brownie - milk chocolate triangle brownies covered with warm chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
4. 360 RESTAURANT
Standing right upon 351 metres of the tallest building in the world - the CN Tower - 360 Restaurant guarantees you a heightening experience like no other! Whether you choose to scarf down a "chronzo sausage with wild gulf shrimp frittata" or a "hot smoked breast of peking duck with plum, rhubarb chutney," the 360 makes circles around other restaurants with so-called "expansive" proximities or fancy food. Just make sure your table doesn't move away from you, when you come back from the bathroom. (That's what happened to me!)
5. DESERT NITES HOOKAH LOUNGE
Capture Vaughan's (Mills, pretty much) first-ever hookah bar and lounge in this luxurious space filled with hanging desert style tents, oversized freedom seats, and Sahara humidity. Once you relax, inhale in similarly hot Middle Eastern dishes, hot patio parties, and some hot Middle Eastern belly dancers - eh?
