Watching your favorite chefs on the Food Channel is one thing, but when it comes to re-creating the dishes at home, you’re all thumbs.

Get a little coaching by signing up for a cooking seminar at Ateliers & Saveurs. Choose an on-site course about finding the best produce at the Atwater Market, or learn how to cook (and eat) gourmet brunch for your next Sunday rendezvous. These informative classes will bring out your inner Nigella quicker than you can say “soften the butter.”

Ateliers & Saveurs, 444 St. Francois-Xavier St., 514-849-2866, www.ateliersetsaveurs.com

Still don’t know your cha cha from your rumba? Neither do we, so we’re signing up for a few lessons.

Founded by Moris and Sonia and, the city’s King and Queen of dance, the Montreal Salsa Convention is five days of performances and workshops by some of the best dancers from around the world.

Nobody puts this Baby in a corner.

Workshops from $109, Montreal Salsa Convention, April 16-20, 2008, Metropolis & Sheraton Center Hotel, www.montrealsalsaconvention.com

You may not have paid much attention when your grandmother tried to teach you how to crochet doilies, but it’s never too late in life to learn.

Victoria B.C. ex-pat Amy Johnson offers all a gal needs to get crafty at her Mile End atelier, Woodenapples. Learn how to sew, quilt, and yes, even crochet at her weekly workshops.

Woodenapples is also an arts and crafts boutique where crafts people from all over the world can showcase their wearable-usable art. Snag some pretty cream throw pillows block-printed with red birds ($29). Or, pick up a handy organizer for all your crafty projects ($10).

Some say craftiness is akin to godliness and Grandma would be so very pleased.

Weekly classes ($30-$45). Atélier Woodenapples, 5319 Parc Ave., Montréal, 514-315-8912, www.atelierwoodenapples.com

Are you harbouring a baby Basquiat just waiting for someone to "understand" his finger painting?

My First Masterpiece kids workshops run by a professional artist, might be just the thing to, ahem, draw out his genius.

Using real canvases and artist–grade paints and brushes, kids create a take–home masterpiece complete with fancy frame.

Now you just need to secure the wall space at the Tate Modern.

For prices, photos and locations visit www.myfirstmasterpiece.ca

You've tried speed-dating, match.com and even a fix up by your Aunt Audrey. If you're still hungry for love, enjoy a nice meal and some possible romance at Cook Dating .

Several times a month, sexy singles gather at a Viking Kitchen Centre for cooking classes taught by gourmet chefs, where thirty minutes of mingling is followed by a cooking lesson and a delectable sit-down meal.

Participants can sauté, slice and simmer their way to a possible new relationship. The average cost of an evening is $75 to $90. Classes are organized according to age (30 to 55) and sexual orientation.

www.cookdating.ca

Even someone with two left feet can shake their booty at Montréal's longest running social dance evenings.

You'll know you've reached Cat's Corner when you hear the sounds of Duke Ellington drifting down the hallway outside the downtown studio. This unpretentious dance school specializes in Swing, Lindy Hop and Charleston.

The beers are cheap and you'll never be sitting for long: boys ask girls to dance (and often vice versa). If your Jitterbug isn't quite up to par, join a beginner’s class every Friday night at 8:30 p.m. (cover charge $7, no partner required). Or, sign up for one of their 6-week courses ($130).

Cat's Corner, 303-486 St Catherine W., Montreal, 514-874-9846, www.catscorner.ca