As a dating columnist, I’ve participated in almost every kind of matchmaking event there is (all in the name of research, of course).
To be honest, they’re pretty hit and miss. It’s usually some sort of contrived set-up (i.e. speed dating) with a mishmash of nerved up, hopeful singles clutching their drink tickets and making awkward small talk.
Well, all that’s about to change. “House wine” experts Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard (www.housewine.ca) and the Dirty Apron Cooking School (540 Beatty St.) are breaking the matchmaking mould with their “Singles in the City” cooking class.
How it works is 20 like-minded singles show up, make food, eat, have fun, drink wine and forget that they’re even at a “singles” event.
There’s just something about making dishes with different partners that takes the “must find mate” pressure off everyone. That’s probably because the focus is not so much “are you my soul mate?” but rather “Are we over toasting the brioche?”
Throughout the evening, the “house wine” duo keep everyone’s glasses topped up (also good for breaking the ice). In between courses, they give lively tips on wine pairings. Then they hand it over to Chef David Robertson who breaks down the recipes so that each dish is pretty much foolproof. When couples are cooking, he’s available for questions. But it should be noted he’s not quite as interactive as he is in his regular cooking classes – doesn’t want to “cook” block the fellahs after all.
Speaking of the fellahs, don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another cheesy singles event. Everyone seems to be on a pretty even playing field here. Nobody’s reaching out of his league and getting rejected. Besides, the cupid cards that you hand in at the end of the night are totally anonymous. If you indicate you’d be interested in seeing someone again, and they do likewise, then you’ll get an email from one of the house wine women. If not, no one will be the wiser.
So to break it down: Best case scenario, you meet someone – great. Worse case scenario, you have a great time and pick up some mad cooking skills. And we all know few things are sexier than a man who knows how to cook! Next class is Sept. 10 (www.dirtyapron.com).
