The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar by Shareef Malnik

The Forge Restaurant first opened in 1969 with International Financier Alvin Malnik at the mast in an era of Sinatra swoons and classy steak and potatoes menus: the fashionable elite’s required dress. The forge became and stayed the hottest place in Miami. The 1970′s sees Hollywood greats Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and President Nixon as regulars. In the 1980′s the wine cellar becomes the focus of greatness when Baron Philippe de Rothschild offers Malnik a collection of his wine from the turn of the century. This transforms The Forge’s cellar into one of the most coveted and finest rare-wine collections in the world. In order to stay in style and continue to be popular within the Miami scene transformations become necessary and essential. Shareef Malnik grew up learning the restaurant business with his father, and took over The Forge in 1991. The 90′s sees the Forge as the top celebrity hang out in Miami. In 2009, Shareef pushed the most extensive transformation of the space as well as the thinking-the concept behind the restaurant. The restoration lasted close to one year at a cost of $ 10 million. Re-invention is the formula for longevity. It was important for Shareef Malnik to exist within his contemporary culture. Bringing the restaurant to par with this culture was his challenge. He wants his clients to feel at home, to have a total lifestyle experience when dining at the Restaurant. His choice of Dewey LoSasso as the chef was very important. The Restaurant business is a commitment and working together all the time defines a family within the business. For Shareef, Dewey was the chef of the situation. The new enomatic wine bar also offers a different twist for The Forge experience. It allows the possibility of extensive wine tasting so the choice of the wine accompanying the elegant exquisite meal is just perfect for each person’s palate. The crowd these days is very diverse, the menu has become farm to table, and the ambiance is elegant, lovely and perfect.

Miami Beach, FL – July 29, 2011 – Carlos Felix and friends celebrated his birthday with style last Friday night at The Forge Restaurant and Winebar. Louis Aguirre, entertainment reporter and anchor of Deco Drive, was in attendance as a toast was raised and feast was had on this night of celebration.

Flavia Antony, Carlos Felix, Krystain Wojtiuk, & Dr. Sigrid Nilssen

Alan Araujo, Carlos Felix, Christopher Nardi, & Cristina Souza

Alan Araujo, Fernando Souto, Carlos Felix, Eliana Torres, & Monica Souza

Christopher Nardi & Cristina Souza

Dr. Deborah, Alex, Gigi, & Carlos Felix

Jorge Hulian, Louis Aguirre, & Carlos Felix

Jay Witrock & Susanne Witrock

Louis Aguirre & Carlos Felix

Hunter McIntyre, Carlos Felix, & Matt McIntyre

Noa Ben & Lee Binks

Lily O’Dare, Valentina Sarria, & Antonio Misuraca

Valentina Sarria, Lily O’Dare, & Browyn Knight

images and article from: Nightlife by Seth. Credits: WorldRedEye

La Perla Fashion Show at The Forge

La Perla is one of the leading creators of luxury lingerie for women in the world. Started by Ada Masotti, a very skilled craftsman in the art of hand made corsetry who opened his first boutique in 1954 in Bologne Italy and named it La Perla. He named his shop inspired by the jewelers box he had crafted, lined with red velvet that he used to carry his first creations. In 1971 La Perla presents its first swimwear collection and in 1986 its first fragrance. Continuing its tradition of elegance and refined luxury in the lingerie domain where else would they want to present their collection but at the Forge for one of it’s fabulous Wednesday Night parties. Shareef Malnik installed a runway down the center of the restaurant to host the fashion show. What a great event: the most beautiful women in the world showing off the most beautiful and sexy lingerie at the Forge, with its elegant and unique environment.

One of the brilliant inventions of Shareef Malnik that brought the Forge it’s one of a kind reputation were the Wednesday evening thematic parties. For 17 years Wednesday evenings were synonymous of fine dining, fine wines, black tie service, good music and the changing themes. Each Wednesday night brought a different environment to the restaurant. The Forge’s space would be completely transformed with light, interior design and elegance. From runway fashion shows to VIP pajama parties, Shareef Malnik would respond with invention and taste. Nothing would escape his eye, and for him the most important aspect of these evenings are the people who come as it is his guests and their recognition that make the party come alive.

Miami’s landmark dining establishment, The Forge, is set to re-open December 1st, just in time for the holidays after closing in July of 2009 for a makeover. The 40 year old legendary restaurant is presently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and will emerge with new furniture, a fresh look and new menu. Owner Shareef Malnik took ownership of The Forge in 1991 after the restaurant survived a nearly disastrous fire, followed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 that did severe and extensive damage to the restaurant and it’s famous wine cellar. Malnik said he’s been wanting to renovate for years and believes this newly updated Forge will stand the test of time again. “We’ve really come up with a new, updated version of The Forge,” said Malnik, “The only way you can stay ahead of the game is through change. I think this is going to give us another 40 years.”

Famous for it’s steak as much as it’s elegant charm, The Forge Miami’s best restaurant, has long been a destination for celebrities and people with a taste for a truly elegant and unique dining experience. Located off the beaten paths of South Beach, The Forge is a true Miami landmark. The Forge is located in Miami Beach at 432 W 41st St. Miami Beach, FL 33140-3504. Phone them at (305) 538-8533 or on the web at www.theforge.com