At Huntington's Kitchen, Chef Isabel Cross has created a unique, multi-faceted hub of community resource, event space and healthy living center. Her passion for cooking is the driving force behind everything she does, making Huntington's Kitchen a one-of-a-kind establishment.
“I always say the heart of the home is the kitchen,” Cross says.
Huntington's Kitchen is a story of community and collaboration. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Cross moved to Huntington in 2001 after graduating from culinary school. She began working in local restaurants before opening 21 at the Frederick with her husband, restaurateur Mark Cross. At the same time, Cross worked at Mountwest Community and Technical College, where she taught cooking for 18 years, and where she first discovered Huntington's Kitchen.
Huntington was a central character in the TV series when Chef Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution began in 2010. Cross's students helped Oliver cook, and two of them ended up working for his company. So when Huntington Kitchen reached out to him about taking over and revitalizing this underutilized resource, Cross was nervous but eager to start a community-focused Food Revolution 2.0.
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“this is, “There's a way,” she explained.
Huntingtons Kitchens is therefore rebranding around the idea that the kitchen is the heart of the home.
Cross serves as the Program Director and Executive Chef at Huntington’s Kitchen, where she is committed to enhancing the kitchen’s reputation as a multifaceted hub for food, community and wellness.
Cross is strengthening its education and outreach programs with various groups to prevent and reduce diet-related illnesses and promote community health through healthy eating and cooking education. The company offers free classes to the community and rents out event space. Events include Kids Camp, Dinner with a Doctor, Senior Focus and Cooking for Diabetics.
Owner Isabel Cross is passionate about making this store unique. (Photo courtesy of the Herald-Dispatch)
Additionally, the kitchen will partner with Brown Dog Yoga for a free six-week program that will include yoga classes, cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops. When creating recipes, Kloss's goal is always “healthy yet fun.” She finds inspiration in her many cookbooks, Pinterest and from her childhood.
Cross remains committed to the mission of Huntington's Kitchen and plans to continue hosting free classes to teach people how to eat healthy, improve their lives and stay healthy.And stay active. The Kitchen's dedication to education is a driving force and ensures it remains a valuable resource for the community.
“I want to update and redecorate the space, and I love art, so I want to fill the space with art,” Cross said. She encourages local artists, especially Marshall University students, who are interested in displaying their work in the space to contact her through Huntington's Kitchen's website.
Marshall students can also get involved by visiting the website and signing up for a class or by attending Mike McCarthy's weekly Honors Wine Seminar in Huntington's Kitchen. Classes are constantly changing, so check the website and Instagram for the latest updates.m or Facebook.
