By Terra Avilla
I am going to let you all in on one of our community’s hidden little gems. I might dare to say it’s one of my favorite perks of working at Lassen College – the Cougar Café.
This wonderful hot spot to eat has been here for years, however, until working here I had no idea the extent of what they do and what they have to offer.
I cannot write an article about the café at the college and not to mention the two people who make it possible and are synonymous with the café: Brennon Temol and Kathy Ritola.
I had heard their names for years as my beloved husband has long been singing their praises. In fact, he has continually, over the years, when asked where he ate lunch, told me ‘in the café.’
For some reason, I felt like he was settling for some lackluster food served on old, crusty food trays. It could not be further than the truth. The café has an amazing menu.
Seriously. You want pasta – they can do it. You want Mexican? They have it. You want salad, chicken, amazing burgers or wraps? Yep. Brennon and Kathy have it. (And here’s exciting news – Brennon will be adding sushi to the menu in the upcoming weeks.)
I have gotten to the point where I love their cooking so much that I walk in and say, “surprise me” and Brennon makes me a literal masterpiece.
Brennon hails out of Palau and completed his culinary education Reno. In the kitchen, Brennon is known for his artful plating and innovative approach to dishes, often venturing beyond the expected offerings of a typical cafeteria. No wonder Frankie loves eating in the Cougar Café so dang much.
If you ever want to try something different for lunch – I cannot recommend it enough. The Café is open to the public! There are even some Banner Lassen hospital staff that have caught on to the great prices and great food that is available for online order.
Pop in and try it because, aside from the delicious food, you also get great company.
Kathy has become a beacon of happiness in my day. Always so sweet and funny (and just the right amount of ornery). I look forward to our lunchtime conversations every day.
The pair of them have created something very special here at the college and I feel like it is my duty to share it with the rest of the county. Kathy and Brennon are amazing people, great at what they do and provide a wonderful service to the students and staff at the college.
I see now why Frankie never wanted to eat leftovers for lunch, and having been here for a couple of months, I don’t blame him. The food and the company are top tier, and I am so happy that I discovered what the buzz is all about. Because it’s not just buzz – it’s a part of our community, and the Cougar Café is one of the reasons I love where we live.
