by Nicole Graves

Instilling the philosophy of hospitality in his students is a priority for Chef Tim McRoberts, an instructor for seven years at Holland College's Culinary Institute of Canada.

"The goal for a chef is not only to create a wonderful meal; overall you are providing hospitality, and hospitality has many components, the meal being just one of them" said Chef Tim.

In his never-ending desire to share his passion of the culinary arts, McRoberts has found a new outlet; the "Cook Like a Chef" television series on the Food Network. McRoberts believes that this series is just one more component in the provision of hospitality.

"The show provides hospitality by being entertaining and it inspires people to have fun in the kitchen."

Chef Tim, who was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, now resides in Charlottetown with his wife and two children. He happened to be visiting Toronto when the Culinary Institute received a call for auditions for the Food Network series. Although he said it was very stressful, Chef Tim had a successful audition. He has completed two seasons with the series, and is now writing for the show.

Chef Tim will soon be returning to Toronto for a long weekend to tape five new shows for the upcoming season, along with fellow instructor, Chef Allan Williams. As Sous Chef on the show, Chef Allan assists McRoberts during the two day shoot.

Shooting five half-hour shows in two days is a tight schedule. For Chef Tim, however, this schedule is nothing compared to the enjoyment he gets from being a part of the television series. The series has provided McRoberts with a unique opportunity to combine his love of food with his desire to teach. He added, "The series is also providing great publicity for the Culinary Institute."

When asked if he missed the exciting lifestyle of being a Chef in Toronto, he said "A bit, but teaching provides me with a different kind of excitement," adding "I'll never forget my first graduating class. They will always be very special to me."

"Cook Like a Chef" can be seen at 6:30 P.M., Monday through Saturday, on the Food Network