In 1991 Timothy became President and owner of Timothy Knowles International Trading Ltd. - Montreal, Vancouver and Timothy Knowles International Trading (HK) Ltd. - Hong Kong, import and trading companies, specializing in the Far & Middle Eastern markets, which developed, manufactured and distributed men's, women's and children's clothing for the Canadian Market.
Tired of catering to the world's fashionistas, Timothy enrolled in The Chef School of George Brown College, earning Certificates in Thai and Cantonese Cuisines, a Diploma in the Culinary Management Program and a Post Diploma Culinary Arts - Italian Program (with Honours) Certificte not to mention the Award for Academic Excellence - Accademia Italiana Della Cucina.
In 1997 Timothy's love of Italian food first took him to Italy where he worked at Ristorante La Braja in the Asti region, and in the following years Hotel/Ristorante Villa Palma near Bassano del Grappa in the Venetto region, Ristorante L'800 in Bologna and Royal Sporting Hotel in Portovenere. In Toronto, he has worked at Ristorante Biagio, one of Toronto's best authentic Italian restaurants and the famous 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower. Timothy is also a Member of the Association of Italian Chefs of Canada, Federazione Italiana Cuochi
In 2000 Timothy was recommended to teach at the Centre for Continuous Learning, George Brown College School of Hospitality. After one semester Deborah Keegan joined him and together they taught as chef instructors for the Italian, Mediterranean, Spa Cuisine, Greek and French Farmhouse Cooking courses. In 2001 Timothy was invited to take the position of Chair, Business and Creative Arts, Centre for Continuous Learning, George Brown College.
But they continued to be drawn to Italy, so Timothy and Deborah developed a culinary tour of Italy in conjunction with George Brown College. They traveled with a group of 12 people on the first of their culinary adventures with much success, visiting restaurants, wineries and production facilities such as Parmigianno Reggiano and balsamic vinegar of Modena. The tour, starting in the Asti region of Piemonte continuing south to Genova, the Cinque Terre region of Liguria, Florence, Pisa and ending in Bologna.
In 2002 Timothy and Deborah launched The City Kitchen, a food, wine and travel adventure operation. They continue to offer exciting culinary tours to Italy, teach and offer a variety of other culinary services. This year, in conjunction with the Sports Clubs of Canada, The City Kitchen will be traveling in September and October on a food, wine and cycling tour of Sicily. Timothy and Deborah also teach classes at various LCBO stores in the Toronto area.
A true Renaissance Man, Timothy is also a web designer, creating the CityKitchen.ca and The Beaches.ca, and websites for various other businesses in and around the Toronto area. |
