T.O. WCs: TMI?

Ideally, a trip to a restaurant is a full-body experience that engages every last sense. The just-so caramelized onions, to-die-for banquet seating and atmosphere-is-everything mood lighting are good to go? Fabulous. But if the pre-apple-tart bathroom break falls short, all is lost.

It's a reality Cintas Corporation acknowledges with its Canada's Best Restroom Contest, the finalist list for which, recently announced, includes a pair of Toronto restaurants.

The Spice Route Asian Bistro and Bar, on King St., and Mildred's Temple Kitchen, in Liberty Village, occupy two of the top-five spots in this cross-country pursuit of the nation's finest throne room. 

Along with standard expectations like cleanliness and attention to supplies, Spice Route was singled out for its "eclectic Asian d‚cor, exposed stone walls and rich coloured tiles, overlooking a private garden oasis." Mildred's, meanwhile, was recognized for its "hand-painted murals, designer fixtures, slate floor and slate walls."

The latter's public facilities already enjoyed some time in the spotlight this winter, when management issued an explicit invitation to patrons to enjoy them for activities generally reserved for the bedroom. Each of the four unisex stalls plays its own soundtrack, including the most popular: airport broadcasts and City of London tube announcements.

"Restrooms can be not very attractive places to go," says Mildred's co-owner Kevin Gallagher. "I know it sounds a little weird, but our bathroom is actually relaxing. You can let down your guard there and just feel comfortable."

Cintas will name the conquering Canadian can in September.