During a recent lesson at Eastside High School, Chef Bert Gill warned a group of culinary students that they’ll have to eat anything they make that doesn’t taste good. But under his watchful eyes, that’s not very likely.

Gill, who owns Ti Amo, New Deal Café and Mildred’s Big City Food, has spent countless hours in the kitchen of Eastside’s Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) over the past few years, sharing his experience and expertise with the fledgling chefs. He’s helped coach them to success in state and national competitions and has traveled across the country to cheer them on. He’s supported the program financially. He’s even put students to work at his restaurants.

“He gives them responsibility and pushes them to do well,” said Billie DeNunzio, who directs the ICA. “He’s given them real-world experiences that they can’t get here at school.”

Junior Brent Garrison is one of those students. He works for Gill at Ti Amo several nights a week.

“He teaches us to look at things in new ways, to think outside the box,” said Garrison. “I think he really enjoys helping new people come up in the industry.”

“My goal is to prepare them to work in this industry and be successful,” said Gill. “I feel that’s my responsibility as a father, a mentor, an employer and a member of the community.”

Preparing dishes that look and taste great is only part of what the students are learning from Gill. He also stresses the importance of using fresh, natural ingredients produced locally, and has taken them to local farms and fisheries to reinforce the message.

“It’s not enough to now how to prepare food,” he said. “They need to understand the fundamentals of food, where it comes from and what to buy.”

“He’s given me experiences I’ve never had before,” said senior Michael Seitman. “He’s always sharing new ideas, something cool we can try.”

Gill has been recognized both locally and at the state level for his commitment to a new generation of culinary artists. He recently won the Pineapple Award from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, which is presented annually to someone in the restaurant business who had made outstanding contributions to education. He’s also been named Alachua County’s Adult School Volunteer of the Year.

But Gill says he’s not in it for the awards.

“Anytime you can help a young person focus on the future, that’s important,” he said. “I’ve seen these kids learn new skills, I’ve seen them mature and grow. That’s the reward.”