An overlooked way to take advantage of D.C.’s culinary talent is to have local chefs teach you how to become a great cook too.

From tap classes to sessions on quilt making, give the gift of making your friend or loved round a well-rounded individual.

Susan Holt and Susan Watterson are hoping that you and your officemates might enjoy throwing down Iron Chef-style at their new Thomas Circle cooking school. They will be opening CulinAerie this fall and that will offer “recreational” (not accredited or professional) cooking classes and special events. CulinAerie’s demonstration and participation-style classes will cover a broad range of topics, from basic cooking techniques to French pastries, wine tastings, kitchen design, and even food writing. But their…