Top of the Town 2011

When you’ve attended as many culinary classes as we have, it takes a lot to impress us. It takes even more to convert us, but that’s exactly what Stir Cooking School did. Launched last November, this Highland joint offers everything from Southern classics to mixology classes to a book club. But what we love most is the vibe: At a recent class on Mexican cuisine, chef/owner Katy Hume dished out tips on properly blistering poblano chiles while cheerfully helping us undo mistakes. Maybe it was the pineapple-chile margaritas, but the three-hour class was over too soon—and we just wanted more, which is why Stir’s class calendar is now bookmarked on our Internet browser. 3215 Zuni St., 720-287-4823, www.stirtolearn.com