Edited by Dara

Hospital becomes Provo social hotspot

By SCOTT W HATHAWAY

Most individuals don't choose to spend extra time in the hospital, much less in the cafeteria. But, the promise of omelets is changing that trend - fast.

"I heard they're huge and amazing," said Chad Burton, a student from Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Utah Valley Regional Medical Center's makes omelets for their staff and the general public a few times a month and the cheap omelets are drawing masses of students to an event that has become a social epicenter.

"It's totally weird; we're not going to deny it," said Laura Thompson, a student majoring in business.

However, the "weird factor" has not deterred students from waiting for more than an hour to purchase their enormous custom-made omelet for $3.50.

Thompson brought four of her friends to feast on omelets at the hospital. The group spent about one hour in line chatting, laughing and mingling with all the hospital visitors.

Visitor are allowed to select all the ingredients they want for their dinner or dessert omelet: tomatoes, cheese, onions, peppers, mushrooms, meats, hash browns, sour cream, guacamole, strawberries, whipped cream and much more.

Although the omelets receive only the highest reviews, many students said they come for the experience.

"[The cooks] are purposely rude," Thompson said. "I think it's their thing."

Michael Austin is the chef that leads omelet night.

"Everyone calls him the Omelet Nazi," said Makelle Austin, the chef's daughter.

She said he is just being rude because he loves to see people's reactions.

"People come to our omelet bar just to hear him rip on people," Austin said.

Student and members of the community definitely wont get bored waiting in line if they listen to Michael Austin yelling at people placing their orders.

Austin said her dad loves to cook.

He started the omelet bar as a service for the hospital's staff, she said.

Workers are allowed to cut straight to the front of the line, which contributes to the lengthy wait for visiting students.

Although the omelet bar was originally intended to provide a nice service to staff, the omelets served one evening and a couple mornings each month have become popular events.

"It has been pretty lucrative for the hospital," Austin said.

Students are not the only people drawn to the hospital for omelets.

Judy Campbell and Peggy Miller, both Orem residents, were visiting a friend at the hospital and it just happened to be omelet night. They have been coming to the hospital ever since.

"Normally the line is out of the café and down the hall," Campbell said.

The two-person team has learned the tricks.

"Get half dinner omelet and half with strawberries and whipped cream."

Students can learn about omelet night by contacting the hospital.