Grab lunch, dessert on campus

PROVO — With almost 20,000 people converging on Brigham Young University's campus for its annual Women's Conference, the biggest question may not be, "Who's speaking?" as much as "Where are the restrooms?" and "Where can I eat?"

Thanks to the Marriott Center, both situations have been made easier.

All Marriott restrooms except one will be converted to ladies' restrooms, and food stations inside and outside will make it possible to serve people in about 35 seconds.

Venues around the concourse and inside the center will be open from 10-10:45 a.m., noon-12:30 p.m. and 2-2:30 p.m. (The food venues are not available during the 3-3:45 p.m. break.) Food will come from BYU concessions, but it will have little resemblance to the kind of food typically offered during sports events.

Instead of the requisite hot dog and popcorn, concessions officials have planned for the largely female crowd, says Aaron Black, concessions manager.

"This is kind of a vacation or a gathering of family and friends, and they are interested in different kinds of food. We go a little more upper scale for them," he said.

In 2005 Black added a sweet shop, which was so popular it has been expanded. Included are chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecakes, baked goods and a variety of specialty salads and sandwiches.

Among the most popular has been a chicken tortilla strip salad, similar to the salads served at local fresh Mexican restaurants. It is served warm and features beans, rice, grilled chicken, guacamole, fresh greens and salad, available for about $7. Sandwiches range from $2 (egg salad on sprouted wheat bread) to $5.50 (gourmet turkey with provolone cheese, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and peppers).

High on the popularity list is a shaved turkey option with cream cheese, cranberries and sprouts. Soup in bread bowls, multiple pretzel options and vegetarian specialties will also be offered. Snacks include bagels and fruit.

"We want to make our guests' dining experience fast and tasty," Black says. "While there will be lines, they will move quickly."

What's the favorite food item? BYU brownies. "Without a doubt, brownies are the biggest hit, regardless of whether they are regular or mint, nuts or not," he said.

Elsewhere on campus, diners may choose from the Cougareat Food Court in the Wilkinson Student Center, the Museum of Art Cafe, the Skyroom and the Legends Grill.

Additionally, the Creamery on Ninth and the regular BYU Creamery have a large variety of cones, floats and shakes.