On-The-Move People

The following is a discussion with Kristen Aluzzi, the Proprietor and Head Chef at Kristen's Kitchen at Battle Island:

1) How long have you lived in Oswego/Has the business been in Oswego?

KA: I grew up in Fulton but went to SUNY Oswego for my Bachelor’s Degree in Science. Kristen’s Kitchen at Battle Island, which provides full service dining at the golf course restaurant, as well as off-site catering, began operating in 2007.

2) Has owning a business/this type of business always been the dream?

KA: At a very young age I recall telling my father that I wanted to be a chef, only to be told by him that it was a bad idea...the hours and pay stunk! While being a chef might have been the dream at that point, owning a restaurant was not. After high school, I decided to go into the health field. Subsequently, I graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Health Science Degree and additionally pursued nursing school at St. Joseph’s. While attending nursing school I was not happy and started seeking other opportunities. I briefly pursued law enforcement and passed a Syracuse Police Officer Exam. After 15 years of wanting to become a Cook/Entrepreneur, my father finally took me seriously and accompanied me on my first walk through at Battle Island.

3) When you aren’t busy running your business, what can you be found doing?

KA: When I’m not at work I’m most likely with my dog, Charlie, and my crazy family. I enjoy walking the dogs, drinking wine, exercising, watching games and cooking...yes, even after cooking at work, I still enjoy cooking for my family.

4) What business/project are you proudest of/was the most fun to create?

KA: I am proudest of all of the weddings, showers, anniversaries and golf tournaments that I have helped plan in the last 14 years. Seeing the end product and making people feel special, surprised and loved is the best feeling. Growing my business every year has been the best reward, knowing all of the hard work has honestly brought me to where I am today! I keep in touch with many of the individuals from the events that I helped plan; they stop in for food, text me catering ideas and even send pictures of their pets.

5) What was the best community experience you’ve had since starting your business here?

KA: All of my community experiences have been special, but specifically the way the groups form and meet weekly for the planned events shows the passion everyone has for that particular event and further ignites my excitement to make each event special.

iHeartOswego has had numerous occasions to work with Kristen Aluzzi and enjoy her food. We have always been amazed at the quality of her food, there isn’t anything she doesn’t do well! But what is even more amazing is Kristen’s generosity and thoughtfulness. It doesn’t just extend to patrons of Battle Island or the clients for whom she caters, but her generosity impacts the community. You will often see Kristen’s Kitchen involved in benefit dinners; working with Move Along Inc. and the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County just to name two. It seems logical that not only is Kristen’s Kitchen at Battle Island a success because of the excellent meals she provides but also because of who she is and the passion with which she lives her life.