The annual BK Pasta Festa is coming up on Sunday, January 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This event has become an early January tradition at the alma mater and is held in the old gym. And one big part of the tradition is the involvement of Lou Aaron ’80.

Known as “Chef Lou” he has practiced his craft for a generation, mainly in Boise, and since 1994 has owned and operated the Westside Drive-in on State Street.  Westside is not your typical drive-in and Lou has created a following due to is unique menu, including a weekly prime rib special. Lou also operated a catering business for many years and also Chef Lou on 8th Street, but it’s the Westside that endures, a part of the Boise fabric.

We caught up with Lou just prior to the Pasta Festa to get his perspective as an Alumknight who has found a unique way to give back to the alma mater.  “In many ways it’s not only a reunion for me with the school, but also for many people who have worked for me at Westside,” said Lou.  “They are happy to come back and help put on a feast and to get together.”

Pasta Festa has been around for many years and Chef Lou first stepped forward to help out in 2002.  He recounts that one year the servers at Pasta Festa included both Mayor David Bieter ’78 and then-BSU football coach Dan Hawkins, father of several Alumknights.

It does not take a long conversation with Chef Lou to get the sense that he plans to continue his involvement in Pasta Festa for a long time.  “My motto is ‘happy cooks make happy people’ and this is one place where I can put it to work in one big event.”