Bobby Flay challenges Md. priest to throwdown
So we went up to Emmittsburg last week to visit with the Rev. Leo Patalinghug at Mount St. Mary’s University. For several years now, Father Leo has been pushing Grace Before Meals, the ministry he created to encourage family and friends to eat and talk with each other.
We found focusing on food as a vehicle for gathering people together to be an interesting avocation for a priest, given that the Catholic Mass is built around the Eucharist, the reenactment of the Last Supper at which believers are nourished by the body and blood of Christ.
Patalinghug thought he was being filmed for a Food Network feature on his ministry last June when celebrity chef Bobby Flay challenged him to a throwdown – a cook-off featuring, in this case, fajitas.
The episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay airs Wednesday night. Patalinghug, who wouldn’t tell us who won, is hosting a viewing party in the parking lot of Da Mimmo's Italian Restaurant at 217 S. High St. in Little Italy.
We’ve produced a story for Wednesday’s newspaper, but it’s online now at baltimoresun.com.
Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun
Comments
What a great story. As a priest graduate from Mt. St. Mary's and a wannabe cook, you go Fr. Leo! Arg, I don't have the Food Network on my cable!!!
Fr. Paul, Pastor, St. Joseph's, Dalton, GA
Posted by: Fr. Paul | September 9, 2009 7:37 PM
I didn't see Father Leo on PBS's
Religous and News Weekly but he
outdone himself on the FoodNetwork.
I think Rachael Ray would be proud
of him. I wonder if his sermons are
as good as his food?
Posted by: Thomas | September 9, 2009 9:55 PM
After looking forward to this program, I missed it! Drat!!! I hope it is repeated soon. Father must have won. The Holy Spirit would not have it otherwise!
Posted by: Gina Nakagawa | September 10, 2009 6:27 AM
Indeed this is a great story! Having known Father Leo as a kid, he is truly a talented person. As a priest, his sermons are never dull. Way to go Father Leo!
Posted by: Juan | September 10, 2009 2:32 PM
I'm so sorry I missed this!!! I heard about it on the Catholic Channel on XM and am searching for the video. Anybody know where I can find it? I just might have to get this guy's book. I love the idea~faith, food, and families~the perfect combination! :-)
Posted by: Kathleen Pape | September 10, 2009 3:17 PM