Brad Herron, Todd Erickson, Timon Balloo in the Ultimate Locavore Battle: Python Anyone?

H. Krisp

Yuuummm, snake, it's what's for dinner.

Chefs Brad Herron (chef de cuisine at Michael's Genuine), Timon Balloo (executive chef at Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill), and Todd Erickson (executive chef at Haven) are competing to win the strangest award ever seen in a press release, the title of "Best Invasivore Chef."
Local non-profit organization, Fertile Earth Foundation is hosting the UnderGROUND Miami cook off fundraising event, taking place at Villa 221 on Saturday, June 23, at 8 p.m.

Featuring exotic, but invasive species from Florida's own ecosystem, the foundation seeks to foster the cause of local sustainable agriculture and the environment. A few of the invasive species that will be featured are the lion fish, snake head fish, wild boar and python, all creatures native to the region. To accompany these "invaders," the chefs will be using organic ingredients from South Florida farms, including Fertile Earth's very own farm in Homestead.

The audience, along with a panel of judges will vote for their favorite chef after tasting a sampling of tapas-style plates. We asked for specifics, but they are currently in the process of getting all of the possible species to the chefs, so that they can determine what will be served. Guess no one had a lion fish recipe on hand.

Tickets are $150 per person for VIP, and $20 for general admission, which includes entry plus one hour of open bar. VIP tickets include a two hour open bar, plus a chance to try all of the 9 different exotic tapas. 100 percent of all proceeds benefit the foundation. FYI: Tickets will not be sold at the door, so you'll have to decide in advance if snake is something you are, or are not, willing to swallow.

Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.