By Katherine Rasmussen
Every once in a while, school lunch actually gives people something to look forward to, and Baron Pasta Week is one of those rare moments. This themed week featured a different pasta dish each day, turning a normal lunch line into something people were actually talking about. This got students excited, and had everyone (including myself) speedwalking to the front of the lunch line. With everything from classic Italian-style meals to more creative fusions, the week felt like a mini food festival on campus. Some dishes were clear standouts, while others probably shouldn’t make a comeback.
Monday – Chicken Parmesan (7.5/10)
Starting off the week strong, Chicken Parmesan was a solid, familiar choice. The breaded chicken paired well with the marinara sauce, and the pasta underneath tied everything together nicely. It wasn’t anything super special, but it was reliable and filling. The only downside was that it could’ve used a bit more flavor or seasoning to really stand out.
Tuesday – Fajita Chicken (9.5/10)
This one was a surprise standout. The fajita-style chicken brought a lot more flavor than expected, with a nice mix of spices that made it way more exciting than a typical pasta dish. It had a slightly smoky, savory taste that made it feel different from the rest of the week. Just barely missing a perfect score, but definitely one of the best.
Wednesday – Chicken Alfredo (10/10)
Easily the best of the week. The Chicken Alfredo was creamy, rich, and actually tasted like something you’d get at a restaurant. The sauce coated the pasta perfectly, and the chicken added a good amount of protein without being dry. This is the kind of lunch people would go back for seconds on if they could.
Thursday – Steak Yakisoba (2/10)
This one… didn’t go well. While the idea of mixing pasta with a yakisoba-style dish sounded interesting, the execution just didn’t work. The flavors felt off, and it didn’t really taste like either pasta or traditional yakisoba, it just ended up being confusing. Definitely the weakest option of the week.
Friday – Cajun Chicken (6/10)
Ending the week on an okay note, Cajun Chicken had some bold seasoning, but it didn’t fully come together. It had potential with the spicy flavor, but it felt a little unbalanced and not as enjoyable as the earlier dishes. Not terrible, but not something most people would be excited about.
Baron Pasta Week was a fun change from the usual lunch routine, and it definitely had its highlights, especially the Chicken Alfredo and Fajita Chicken. While not every dish was a hit, it gave students something different to talk about and look forward to during the week. Overall, a successful event with room for improvement (especially avoiding another Steak Yakisoba situation).
