Father's Day is just around the corner ( this coming Sunday June 21st! ) and in celebration, we asked a few of our favorite chefs in Miami about being a Dad and tips for teaching their kids in the kitchen and reflections on their own Dads and favorite dishes and/or memories. 

Jose Mendin, Pubbelly

Dad related tips in the kitchen -

I have a 7 year old, I work 70 hour weeks, so when am home and cooking for Ian I like to keep it simple, clean, flavorful and fun. I make cool stuff for him and his friends in the house.

Favorite dishes by your Dad -

My dad is a foodie, so he likes pretty much everything, he loves going to new restaurants with me and trying new things. He loves my Veal Brains Meuniere, with blue crab tartare sauce and black butter.

Personal/life tip for your little one -

I will always tell Ian to live life respecting others and being happy. My father gave me a lot of freedom and that led me to be a chef today. I want him to find what makes him happy, but to always work hard.

David Sears, SUSHISAMBA Coral Gables

Dad related tips in the kitchen -

I enjoy cooking in the kitchen with my children as it provides the perfect bonding experience coupled with teaching my children valuable life lessons. Nothing brings a family together than preparing freshly baked cookies or all of us taking part in preparing Sunday brunch for everyone to enjoy. As safety comes first, I ensure that the tasks or "duties" that my little sous chefs part take in are fun, interactive, but most importantly safe. Whether it is piping the filling into a deviled egg, placing the final toss on a garden salad, or placing sprinkles on cookies, these activities make your children feel that they play a major role in the creation of the meal and at the same time keep them safe.

Favorite dishes by your Dad -

Like most fathers, My father loved cooking outside so anything that required an open flame was a definite must and growing up in the islands the food of choice was anything seafood. Those dishes that remind me most of my father would have to be anything grilled.  My earliest memories of my father's cooking brings me back to homemade pits made in the back yard with fresh corn being buried under hot coals until perfectly cooked and whole fish being grilled on, wrapped in banana leaves. 

Personal/life tip for your little one -

A personal life tip that I share with my children is to always be happy with who they are. Never allow anyone or anything dictate your happiness or determine who you should be. You were perfectly made in all of your uniqueness and distinction.      

Diego Solano, Bulla Gastrobar

Dad related tips in the kitchen -

Very important you motivate your kids to learn how to cook and the importance of washing their hands before preparing food.

Teach your kids to taste different types of food, textures, and flavors.

Most important make sure the time spent in the kitchen is memorable, you can always start with a simple recipe such as a grilled cheese sandwich and then venture out to using different types of cheese.

Favorite dishes by your Dad -

My dad loved to make Gallo Pinto a typical Costa Rican Dish that is made of Rice and beans but he added eggs, salchichon and natilla . Till this day every time I eat this dish I remember my Dad.

Personal/life tip for your little one -

Whatever you cook it is important you make it with your heart and when it’s made with love it tastes better.

Timon Balloo, SUGARCANE raw bar grill

Dad related tips in the kitchen -

I try to cook with the family all the time. When cooking with the family, I try to always share a professional technique; it makes them feel like they are watching the Food Network come to life.

Personal/life tip for your little one -

Be passionate in everything that you do. Work hard and smart.

Christopher Lee, The Forge Restaurant & Bar

Dad related tips in the kitchen -

Dads love to grill. A tip for dad's is to pre-heat the grill for at least 20 minutes before using, this will ensure proper browning on the grill and it will prevent sticking as well. Also, use an old rag or tee shirt as an oil mop to keep your grills well oiled.

Favorite dishes by your dad -

My dad made two things well: Wonton soup & BBQ chicken.

Personal/life tip for your little one -

A life tip for the youth: Hard work is the key to success.

( A special thanks to Rockaway PR for providing interviews and images )

And it's not too late to shop online for the "Dad Chef" in your life! Etsy.com has many pages dedicated to Dads and Chefs.  Aprons, Cutting Boards, Cufflinks ( including Bacon and Egg cufflinks pictured ) and more.