A Pinch of Lynch

The first glance is a puzzler: another Barbara Lynch–owned storefront on Waltham Street, as small as a dorm room, with a wall of books and a luxe kitchen. What could it be, besides an elegant tax write-off?

Stir is an unusual concept: one part cookbook store; one part demonstration kitchen; and one part play space for Lynch and her chefs to work on new recipes. You might stop by to pick up a copy of Molecular Gastronomy and find No. 9 Park wine director Cat Silirie leading a tasting of Rhone reds, or see Lynch herself working on her cookbook. There are thrice-weekly cooking, wine, and cocktail classes, taught mostly by Lynch’s staff, as well as guest chefs and cookbook authors. You can even book a private class with Lynch for your closest friends, or for your eight-year-old’s birthday party, as we heard one customer did.

102 Waltham St., Boston, 617-423-7847, stirboston.com.