"There are a few things you might do to appear cooler - like (poorly) fake an accent or tell strangers about your pet hedgehog, Carl. But when you’re in Toronto, all you have to do is head to Mother Tongue in the back of The Templar Hotel. This place feels like somewhere cooler-you discovered, despite being in one of Toronto’s busiest neighbourhoods. This sleek two-story restaurant serves food that mixes Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese influences - with everything from trout ceviche and spice-rubbed chicken wings, to pork belly lettuce wraps and pork and foie gras dumplings. Bring a group to share plates and drink cocktails while asking for your friends’ opinions on adding an ascot to your everyday outfit." - Jake Goldsbie