Easter, Passover and Spring Break are all over and the "snowbirds" seem to be migrating their way back up North, which means Miami is returned to it's loyal year-round residents and almost in celebration, Miami has some fun events going on that include pork, beer, wine, paella, cocktails and brunch.  

Friday 4/17-Sunday 4/19- Cochon 555- It’s Time to PIG OUT! And you can have your pig and eat it too at three special Cochon 555 Miami events.  Starting on Friday 4/17 Chef Jose Mendin hosts a Chef's Course dinner boasting the talents of chefs, Aaron Brooks, Timon Balloo, Cesar Zapata and Danny Smiles at Pubbelly. Saturday 4/18 Chef Mendin will host a Large Format Feast with guest chef, Danny Smiles and the young winemakers from Sonoma's St Francis Winery and Vineyards at L'echon Brasserie. But the "Main Event" is on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the Loew’s Hotel South Beach, where 5 chefs from 5 Miami restaurants will compete for the culinary Cochon 555 winning trophy and bragging rights and chance to compete in Aspen for the National "King or Queen of Porc" crown.  For tickets and more information visit http://cochon555.com/dinner-series/mia-chefs-course/

Friday 4/17-Sunday 4/19- Common Threads, the national non-profit organization founded by Chef Art Smith in 2003 with the goal of fighting childhood obesity by teaching kids healthy cooking skills, is hosting a Miami weekend which includes Cooking Boot Camps, Beach Yoga and Brunch at Seagrape beginning with a kick off dinner at Mignonette on Friday 4/17 where 10% of your bill will be donated to Common Threads. On Saturday 4/18 Join Chefs Dena Marino, Timon Balloo and Todd Erickson for interactive and cooking demos, and relax and renew at Beach yoga on Sunday 4/19 followed by Brunch at Seagrape at The Thompson Miami Beach hosted by Chef Michelle Bernstein and friends.  For tickets and more information http://www.commonthreads.org/events/Cooking-for-Life-Festival

Friday 4/17-Sunday 4/19- 12th Annual Fritz & Franz Bierhaus Paella Festival. Paella fans and party seekers can rejoice at the themed plaza in Coral Gables to sample varieties of the classic Spanish Paella while enjoying live music and drink specials, including a large and loaded glass of Spiked Sangria (“ Bierhaus Sangria Cocktail” ) for $11. Check website for more information, live music and DJ schedule. http://www.bierhaus.cc/events-paella.php

Saturday 4/18 3:30-5:30 - Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami (LDEM), the international, invitational service organization comprised of professional women in food, beverage, farming and hospitality whose goals are education, advocacy and philanthropy is hosting a Tea at Seagrape at the Thompson Hotel, 4041 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. Open to ladies and gentlemen alike, the tea will feature savory and sweet items prepared by James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and executive chef Jason Schaan along with pastry chef Max Santiago. Tea and prosecco will be served.  Tickets are $45 and can be purchased thru Les Dames Miami at www.lesdamesmiami.org. 

Saturday 4/18 - Veritage Miami, which benefits The United Way of Miami-Dade, brings together a who’s who of more than 3,000 wine, beer, spirits and food lovers from all across South Florida along with top sommeliers, notable chefs, prestigious wineries, winemakers and breweries and an impressive lineup of auction lots all to benefit the South Florida community. All of the events are SOLD OUT at this writing except the last event on Saturday evening; a special Wine Dinner and Auction held at Marlins Park. Tickets online at  http://www.veritagemiami.com/events/auction-and-wine-dinner

Special shout out to some of the "Hardest Working Chefs" in Miami, who seem to be buzzing from event to event in support of good causes and Miami's vibrant food scene: Chef Michelle Bernstein, Chef Aaron Brooks, Chef Timon Balloo, Chef Jamie DeRosa, Chef Todd Erickson, Chef Dena Marino, Chef Jose Mendin, and Chef Danny Serfer.  You make Miami proud!