Interview with Don Pedro Doña Flores
Cook at Colegio Alborán since 1986.
"What we eat affects us more than we think. It even affects our mood.".
Juan 1. – Have you always liked cooking?
Peter: Yes, from a very early age I already liked to cook, specifically from the age of 12 and above all surprise my diners. Since I was little I liked to prepare meals following the recipe, but also to invent some step or some ingredient. And I keep trying to innovate.
Juan 2.- When did you know you could dedicate yourself professionally to gastronomy?
Peter: Since I made my first meal at the age of 13 and it turned out very well, everyone applauded me and highly appreciated my work, from that moment I felt that I wanted to dedicate myself to that and I also continue to enjoy dedicating myself to gastronomy a lot, especially in a school, because Children and young people are a very demanding public, it is a challenge every day for me.
Juan 3.- Do you think gastronomy is important as a country's culture?
Peter: Yes, I am convinced, and it is increasingly valued as a very important and growing tourist aspect. With gastronomy, we project a great image of our country, in all aspects, and this is reflected in tourism from Europe and the rest of the world, which seeks culinary art. Without a doubt, gastronomy is an art, there are even gastronomic and tapas routes and even dish competitions.
John 4.- Do you agree with the statement "we are what we eat" or do you think it is overrated?
Peter: I fully agree, because apart from physical exercise (which is very important for health), having a good diet is essential. More and more doctors and nutritionists report on the physical, mental and emotional health benefits of a varied and balanced diet. What we eat affects us more than we think, experts say that it even affects people's moods.
People are now more concerned about food than before, and this is also reflected in television programs. And in all the information we receive, therefore, we are becoming more aware of the importance of a good diet, not only to lose weight, but to be healthy.
Juan 5.- We observe that he knows all the children in our school by their names. Do you like the coexistence that exists in the Alborán school?
Peter: Yes, coexistence is very important in a school, the good atmosphere that is breathed in the school is very noticeable in the dining room. I like to meet all our students and call them by their names, it creates more confidence. I am a sociable person and I really like the relationship with others.
Juan 7.- What is your favorite dish?
Peter: My favorite dish is any of the ones with a spoon (laughs) because ever since I was little in my house they always cooked a lot. And in addition to the fact that they are rich and tasty, they are losing a bit, and it is a shame that the traditional foods of our country are being lost, what is usually called “grandmother's kitchen”.
Juan 8.- Which cuisine do you like the most: traditional or avant-garde? What do you think of the designer kitchen that is being developed now?
Peter: I like traditional cuisine more, because it is the one with which I began my career as a chef. I find it more delicious. I think that avant-garde cuisine is very elaborate and visually very attractive, the dishes are very pretty, but the quantities are smaller. Some say that with these dishes they have come to go a little hungry (laughs).
On the other hand, I think you get tired before you take the avant-garde ones. And in the end you always return to the meals of a lifetime, the traditional flavors that also remind you of your childhood, as in the movie Ratatouille.
Juan 9.- What advice would you give to people who are starting out in the world of gastronomy?
Peter: It is a very nice job and it brings a lot of creativity, but you have to like it and you have to have a lot of patience, perseverance and never give up, it is not easy, but it is worth it. You have to have a lot of vocation.
Juan 10.- When did you start working at Colegio Alborán?
Peter: I have been here since 1986, the year the school was inaugurated, and together with Antonio Vivas, I am part of the kitchen team. I am, what we call in our jargon, "the second in command."
Juan 11.- Do you think that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
Peter: Yes, of course, it is the most important meal, because at night we spend a lot of time without eating, in a long fast, and you have to start the day with energy.
John 12.- What are your hobbies? Do you cook in your free time?
Peter: I have many hobbies that I like to do in my free time, such as playing sports or cycling. I like spending time with my family and I enjoy walking. I also like nature.
On vacation I also like to cook, because I have more time and I usually make different dishes for my family. I improvise and surprise them (Smiles).
Juan 13.- Do you think that television programs like "Master Chef" make more children become interested in cooking?
Peter: Of course, these types of programs enhance the pool that we have in Spain of future chefs and also, thanks to these television programs, this profession is more in demand and valued. There are many minors who are attracted to cooking, but this way they have more opportunities to learn and show their interest.
