CookandDate, the New and tasty way to meet interesting singles!
When I first decided to start traveling alone. I had to face one of the biggest fear and question that most single travelers encounter; would I feel isolated and lonely or would I make several fascinating encounters along the way?
Starting out alone in a new city or country does not mean having to stay alone. Especially in Montreal, numerous fascinating people and boundless fun activities are available for those wishing to meet interesting singles.
Of course, a bit of help along the way never hurts!
For those traveling solo to Montreal, Toronto or New York, I’d like to introduce a fantastic concept called CookandDate. The brainchild of the lovely Cristina Mucciardi, each session is a gastronomically enjoyable experience where you learn to cook, eat and mingle in a luxurious kitchen with a reputable chef along with other interesting singles.
Since its inception in 2007, CookandDate remains the only concept and franchise of its kind in North America. Thousands of professional singles between the ages of 25 to 60 have attended local events.
The series currently partners with an impressive roster of renowned chefs, including Toronto chef Paul Boehmer, owner of several acclaimed restaurants, and Tarandeep Sekhon of the Muskoka Bay Club; Montreal’s Ristorante Buonanotte, Koko and the Opus Hotel, as well as Ateliers & Saveurs; cookbook authors and instructors Maria Loggia and Franca Mazza; Food Network Canada and Cooking Channel USA chefs Chuck Hughes and Nadia G, as well as 18 other reputed chefs, caterers and sommeliers.
While online dating sites are a great way to initially “chat” with potential matches, at cookanddate.com you can scroll through members’ profiles, chat and then meet live in one of their events. The range of available classes on the main website is quite vast and each event is specified by age and sexual preference. You can also choose to join an event by selecting a specific menu or cuisine type and leave it up to chance to see who you will meet, a bit like having a blind date with 15 to 20 other people. International classes include Italian, French, Greek, Mediterranean, Indian, Asian, Kenyan, Caribbean, Middle-Eastern and South American cuisine.
Last week, I attended a trial session at Cucina Sopra with one of my single girl pals. Guests arrived around 7pm. We were warmly welcomed by Cristina herself who presented each of us with a glass of wine and then proceeded to introduce us to head Chef Dario along with his aide, Samuel Longo as well as to the other 15 – 20 participants. While most of the attendees were locals, some were overseas visitors and there was in interesting mix of different nationalities.
After a brief introduction around drinks on the comfy outside terrace, guests were invited to move to the main kitchen for the team building cooking activities led by Chef Dario which lasted about 2 hours. The guests were divided into small groups and were each given clear instructions on how to prepare simple, but delicious appetizers as well as nifty tips on how to prepare the main meal. These informal activities were a real ice breaker and allowed all participants to relax, laugh and gather a better knowledge of each other. While the food was heated in the ovens, participants moved to the large, circular dinner table where the mingling, drinking and eating lasted well into the late evening.
Some of the tantalizing items on the menu that evening included:
Aperitif
–Various red and white wines
-Beers
-Mixed drinks
Appetizer
Tasty bruschetta
Salad of squid and fennel
Eggplant rolls
Mussels au gratin
Main dish:
Potato gnocchi with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, red pepper and basil
Chicken rolls with sweet and sour sauce, white grapes and pine nuts
Dessert
Chef’s surprise ( A delectable mille feuille !)
CookandDate evenings include
(Open bar – Wines & Cocktails)
Full course menu
Culinary activity with Private chef
Coffee, tea, beverages
Recipes
Chat access to all guests
CookandDate is an ideal experience for singles looking to mingle with more than one benefit to take home. Cristina and her team will take great pleasure to be your hosts for a memorable evening.
For further information on future events please consult the main website :