Photo Credit: Edgar Castrejon
Modern tech is increasingly becoming the dominant force in relationship initiation. With plenty of dating apps and websites available on the market today, online dating can get overwhelming and sometimes discouraging. While dating apps do provide fast and easy access to new dates that can potentially lead to long term relationships, the experience and the outcomes are still far from perfect.
According to the Association for Psychological Science, reviewing a large number of profiles can cause individuals to be more judgmental and can lead to commoditizing potential partners, resulting in a decreased level of commitment. Another research done by Michigan State University found that 28% of relationships started online are more likely to break during the first year compared to relationships that started face-to-face.
After going through a very frustrating experience using some of the dating apps, Mariia Molchanova decided to create a new way for singles to meet offline. The idea came to Mariia when her fiancé brought cookies that he baked himself on their first date. She then realized that home-made food is often involved in the most cherished life events, and up until now, that moment surprisingly formed a lasting memory.
“None of the apps I tried were built around helping people create a meaningful first connection. By creating Perfect Pairing Events, I want to help singles make the dating experience more memorable and stress-free.”
– Mariia Molchanova
By combining dating with cooking classes, Perfect Pairing Events bring singles together over a delicious meal to create an intimate and stress-free environment allowing not to focus on the date but rather on the moment.
Here is a quick overview
Each event has around 20-30 guests, within different age groups: 19-26; 27-35; 36-42 and 43-55. A ticket is about $85 per person, and classes take place in the evening time at various venues.
Curated by professional chefs
During the events, singles can learn how to cook specific dishes by having hands-on experience. Here is an example of a cooking class and what you will learn:
Classic Spanish Night
This fun class is specially designed for Spanish food lovers. Singles will collaborate to create authentic Spanish small-plates and learn tricks and techniques to cook classic Paella.
Tapas (hand-on cooking):
- Albondigas (Spanish meatballs)
- Bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese and pecans
- Patatas Bravas with spicy sauce and saffron aioli
Main Course (demonstration by the chef): Chicken and Shrimp Paella
Dessert: A dessert station created by the event host that allows more time for mingling and socializing.
Beverages: 2 glasses of wine or non-alcoholic beverages of any choice.
If you are single and looking for offline ways to mingle with other singles in Toronto, you can request a personal event invitation based on your cuisine preference and interests.