A Different Kind of Course at The 19th Hole

Sister Magdalena Garay can stand the heat.

With full habit and a white apron, she helped flip lentil-and-rice cakes, stuff chicken breasts with turkey sausage, pour gravy, toss vegetables and arrange entrees at The 19th Hole at El Cariso Golf Course in Sylmar.

The cooking nun is one of about 25 Mission College food service and culinary arts students experiencing the world of the restaurateur firsthand--at the golf course concession.

“I just came to learn how to cook,” said the sister, who is part of the nearby Poor Clare Missionary. “They’re teaching me stuff I didn’t expect. I’m cooking for my sisters now.”

Dislodged from their college kitchen, which is being remodeled, the students have been at The 19th Hole for several weeks and will continue until December, said instructor Louie Zandalasini.

They prepare daily specials for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and dinner on Thursday. Last Thursday, lunch was stuffed chicken in a puff pastry with an acorn squash ratatouille and the rice-lentil cakes.

Reviews were generally positive among patrons. When a Mission College class on personal development came to lend its support, however, the students seemed intimidated by the fancy-sounding special--all but the teacher ordered burgers and fries.

“Very good,” said Enrique Gonzalez, the course’s counselor.