By Jennifer Mayer
Dietetic students plan, create, cook and oversee meal plans throughout the year for BYU”s Pendulum Court Restaurant, a part of once of their courses.
The food the students prepare is served daily at the eatery located in main lobby of the Eyring Science Center.
“The restaurant allows students to have more hands-on experience in quantity food production,” said Julie Duncan, a food science and nutrition faculty member who oversees the restaurant.
“This is one of the most real-life experiences dietetics students can have on campus. Many of our students work in hospitals and extended care facilities,” she said.
Students are given a three-week training before they begin preparing food.
Throughout the three-week training, students learn about culinary techniques, food handler”s equipment, sanitation solutions, batch cooking schedules and more, said Mary Boyce, one of six food science interns that work with the Pendulum Court Restaurant.
Designing appetizing, but artful food are part of the training.
“We teach how to cut carrots to prepare garnishes,” Boyce said.
The restaurant”s menu varies day to day.
“We look at what is popular, but at the same time we look at what looks good on the plate and try to be well-rounded,” Boyce said.
On Oct. 16 BYU”s Pendulum Court Restaurant will host an “American Idol” competition in spirit of FOX”s hit TV show.
Karaoke and food will be available to students from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
“We noticed a lot of colleges were involved with ”American Idol” by throwing parties . . . we just thought that BYU could get more in the American spirit,” Boyce said.
Pendulum Court Restaurant provides two theme days each semester. Three of the six interns plan and create each theme day to entice students and faculty to enjoy the restaurant and to create a fun atmosphere, Boyce said.
“Students are invited to participate in karaoke and to vote to see who the best one is,” Boyce said.
Prizes will be awarded to those who participate in the karaoke contest and themed food items will be available.
“With karaoke and prizes, we try to serve something that goes along with the ”American Idol” theme,” said Brenda Malone, 21, a junior in dietetics, who is one of the students learning through the Pendulum Court Restaurant.
Past theme days have included Harry Potter, America, Fall Harvest, and Lavell Edwards.
