Page 38 - Priorities #60 2014-November/December

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The Benedictine values of “Community and Hospitality are more than just words, everything we do in this kitchen is done so that everyone is welcome and has a sense of comfort and home when they come to our kitchen.” At the center of all cultures, shar- ing food is perhaps the one experience that allows us to break down cultural barriers and divisive differences. Food is what “allows us to create and share in good memo- ries,” says Peter.
Peter came to the Priory after having served in the Marine Corps and at the time, didn’t know Hungarian monks founded it. “I was surprised when I discovered that this place had Hungarian monks. I’m Hungarian, so finding this place seemed doubly fortuitous.”
He’s more than just a culinary guru, former Marine, and renowned nature pho- tographer, he’s also a respected teacher. Everyone at the Priory, staff and faculty, are teachers. Peter takes that to heart. Students often seek him out for advice. Peter says, “many students confide in us and like many of the faculty here, we hope that we can help guide them in their lives.”
For Peter, the joy of cooking is also about educating people to make healthier food choices. Peter says, “I get great satisfaction from serving great food and making peo- ple feel good. We’ve introduced healthier options in our kitchen, more variety, and as much locally sourced food as we can. We want our students to learn from the experi- ence here in the kitchen, more than just filling their bellies.”
Peter says it best: “It feels good to know I’ve made a difference in the lives of students. It’s what gets me up in the morning and it’s what makes me feel good about what I do here for the Priory community.” So the next time you’re on cam- pus, be sure to visit Peter and the rest of the kitchen crew. This is a place where everyone is welcome.
“Peter Agoston has gone far beyond expectation in listening to the student voice and responding with meals which rival those at many fine restaurants.”
ANNIVERSARIES
Peter Agoston
Day in and day out, this master chef, renowned photographer, and former Marine lives the values of Hospitality and Community
by Sean McLain Brown photo by Jim Kirkland
For more than 25 years, Peter has sautéed, baked, and tantalized our appetites all while making us feel at home in his kitchen. For Peter, the Benedictine value of Hospitality and Community are values he infuses into every morsel of food served in his kitchen.
—Fr. Martin