02.11.08

BOSTON, MA

STIR IT UP

Call it a case of the real estate leading the retail. When a storefront became available down the street from Boston Chef Barbara Lynch’s B&G Oysters and other South End ventures, she couldn’t resist putting in an offer for it. The only problem was, she didn’t know exactly what to put into the space.

Hard at work on a cookbook to be published by Houghton Mifflin this year, Lynch decided to install a kitchen so she could test her recipes. Before long, she was inviting staff members in for training about the menus and wine lists, and realized the kitchen was a perfect spot for classes.

Named Stir, the space opened last fall at 102 Waltham Street, and has been booked steadily ever since.

Monday Stir hosts Wine Dinners, typically led by No. 9 Park wine director Cat Silirie. Tuesday and Wednesday classes focus on cooking. Lynch regularly teaches how to make her signature dishes. Other chefs at Lynch’s restaurants, and guest experts, round out the schedule. Upcoming topics include Italian-style braising, fresh pastas from Italy’s Piedmont region, love potion cocktails (for Valentine’s Day) and caviar. Prices range from $85 to $165 per class; many sell out in advance.

An adjoining bookstore offering cookbooks only (the only one of its kind in Boston) is open daily. People are encouraged to sit with a cup of coffee and browse as long as they want.

Read more about Stir in Misstropolis, the online magazine for modern women.