The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar by Shareef Malnik

So perhaps it wasn’t fair of us to try to squeeze information out of The Forge’s long-time executive sommelier Gino Santangelo over multiple glasses of wine at a South Beach Wine and Food Festival dinner, but we just couldn’t resist. After all, news has been trickling in about The Forge’s upcoming reopening (March 29) and, heck, inquiring minds needed some dish.

One thing many hope won’t change much is The Forge’s endlessly educational underground wine cellar that only few have toured, even though the restaurant’s flashy new website teases an “expansion.” But they’re wrong…or at least they may be..cuz we can’t get formal confirmation.

But Santangelo didn’t say his den of treasures would be changing drastically. He did mention that, in addition to having a new executive chef in the kitchen (Dewey LoSasso) and all kinds of chic, new décor adjustments, thanks to designer Francois Frossard, The Forge be offering an innovative wine-by-the-glass serving system, that sources confirm will be from the Georgia-based company Enomatic. The system uses pressurized nitrogen, self cleaning technology, and smart cards to let wine-lovers choose as much or as little as they want. It’s beautiful and back-lit with stainless steel. It’s not clear what grade of the gizmo the Forge is looking at, but in any case, it’s amazing.

If you have been around this town for a while, you may recall the rumors that a $125,000 wine-by-the-glass dispenser Alvin Malnik put in around mid-2008 nearly destroyed the entire restaurant. Ah, the irony.

But let’s just put that behind us and focus on the future, wherein oenophiles will pour grapey goodness into their stemware in a sheer state of bacchanalia, forever changing the relationship between bartender and barfly. The website promises we can slurp from 80 wines by the glass, but there’s no telling if we can pour all those labels ourselves. Or drink that much in one night, for that matter. But we’ll die trying.

CBS News 4 Coverage of the  BubbleQ at the SOBE Wine & Food Festival featuring Dewey Losasso

BubbleQ Is Hot Ticket At SOBE Wine & Food Festival

Festival Runs Feb. 25th – 28th

Many High-Profile Events Are Sold Out

There’s an epicurean extravaganza taking place on Miami Beach. It’s the 10th annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival which kicked off Thursday night with the “Burger Bash” hosted by Rachael Ray. It continues Friday night with another hot event, “The Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ”, featuring chef, restaurateur and TV personality Emeril Lagasse.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. on the soft white sand of the Delano Hotel. General admission tickets are $350 and some are still available. The $450 VIP reception is sold out.

This marquee event features non-stop temptations; serving station after serving station of juicy grilled meats and succulent seared seafood, fire-roasted vegetables, and all manner of spicy, creamy, crunchy side dishes and daring, decadent desserts. Don’t forget about the endlessly flowing Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival is a star-studded four-day event that showcases the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirit producers, chefs and culinary personalities.

The event began as a one-day festival called the Florida Extravaganza in 1997 at FIU. It was founded as a fundraiser for Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and has grown tremendously over the years. It is now one of the largest and most well-known festivals of its kind in the country.

In addition to Thursday nights Burger Bash, and Friday night’s Bubble-Q, other high-profile events include Paula Deen’s $125 Kiss My Grits Jazz Sunday Brunch at the Loews Hotel on South Beach, and Guy Fieri’s Moon Over Miami Closing Party at Ganesvoort South Beach on Sunday.

There’s also Saturday and Sunday’s $212.50 Grand Tasting at Lummus Park.

Another fun event for the entire family is the Fun and Fit As A Family featuring the Kidz Kitchen which takes place at Jungle Island. The two-day long mini-festival teaches kids and their parents how to make healthy food choices and features a variety of cooking demonstrations for children by various Food Network personalities such as Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, and Daisy Martinez on Saturday and Rocco DiSpirito, Michelle Bernstein, and Guy Fieri on Sunday.

The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival will run through Sunday, Feb. 28th.

Since Miami’s legendary restaurant The Forge closed its doors for renovations last fall, the whole city has been abuzz wondering when the mid-beach property will welcome diners back into its fold. Considered by many notable residents to have one of the best steaks in town, we thought that with the South Beach Wine & Food Festival right around the corner, what better time to catch up with owner Shareef Malnik to see if we could squeeze any opening details out of him.
In the latest issue of Haute Living Miami, we present readers with Q & As from some of the most recognized names that are leading the Magic City’s culinary scene. In the article, “Culinary Power Players,” Shareef tells us a little about the types of crowds his venue appeals to. “The Forge is intentionally designed to appeal to a diverse crowd. It’s all about quality and a great time. It’s about community and people feeling like they are at home, not in their dining room, but in their living room with friends.”
Malnik has been famously quiet about the renovations going on behind closed doors, though he did mention that he is finishing up the project, and is also in the process of designing The Forge in Dubai. And when we asked him to describe his dream restaurant, he replied, “I am attempting to built it as we speak.”
Find out more of what this haute restaurateur had to say about his own endeavors, as well as some of his favorite places to dine in Miami in the February/March issue of Haute Living Miami.

While news about The Forge’s relaunch has been slowly trickling in (such as the hiring of Dewey LoSasso as the head chef), owner Shareef Malnik has been tight-lipped about the legendary eatery’s extreme makeover. It’s a marketing strategy he stands by, as he doesn’t want to ruin the surprise of the official unveiling, which will happen sometime at the end of February. Nevertheless, he took the time to reveal several exclusive details to Short Order.
“We are telling a new story,” says Malnik, who has gutted ninety percent of the space since the eatery’s closing this summer. “But we are being careful because The Forge has a history and evolution. It’s a living thing. The inspiration is the world we live in. The world has changed enough from where we were at to warrant a substantial change. We are not married to anything from the past. If we did use something from the past, it was because it works not because it was already there. There are a few iconic design components left there to pay homage, but it’s a new restaurant. We are creating a new classic.”
Expect the previous incarnation’s over-the-top décor to be toned down. Even all of the furniture was been custom-made.
Similarly, the menu has also evolved. It’s no longer solely focused on carnivores hankering for porterhouse and potatoes. “Don’t call us a steakhouse,” Malnik divulges. “We will have a great selection of steaks, but we have this culinary ambition to be more than that. Anyway, there are enough typical steakhouses in town to satisfy anyone looking for that steakhouse template.” Furthermore, Malnik remains mum as to whether entrees will still be dramatically presented with silver domes, as in the past.
The Forge 2.0 is also jettisoning its hedonistic Wednesday evening parties in favor of becoming a destination for foodies every night of the week. “In the early ’90s, it was very avant-garde to combine fine dining and having a good time,” he remarks. “It was eclectic, phenomenal and beautiful. Now, it’s passé for me to be doing that. Maybe I’ve grown up. Not to knock it, but I want to be a pioneer in the direction we are going. It’s about access. In years gone by, it was about excess.” Despite his modest claims, however, expect to see Malnik’s fabulous friends like Madonna, Brett Ratner, Shaquille O’Neal and Sharon Stone rubbing shoulders in the Francois Frossard-designed dining room.
“We paid attention to detail in all areas, from food, architecture and design, to layout, menus, pricing and wine,” notes Malnik. “Prices are more reflective of the economy. We want The Forge to be open, friendly and accessible. It’s an out of the box philosophy.”

Miami’s landmark dining establishment, The Forge, is set to re-open Winter 2010, just in time for the Season 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 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.

After a global search to find the new executive chef of The Forge – a culinary landmark in Miami Beach since 1969 – owner Shareef Malnik is proud to announce the appointment of Dewey LoSasso. The Forge will reopen its doors mid-December 2009 with a fresh new design, social and culinary concept.

The lengthy selection process spanned more than six months and consisted of 172 chefs showing off their kitchen skills and impressive signature dishes. Chef LoSasso proved to be top chef by beating out colleagues from around the world and being awarded the much sought-after title.

“I’ve known Dewey for many years back from his days at The Foundlings Club in Miami Beach and as Donatella Versace’s personal chef,” says Shareef Malnik. “The moment we reconnected during my worldwide search for the perfect new chef something just clicked; he understands my culinary vision and where I see The Forge going in the coming years. I’m ecstatic that he has joined our team and cannot wait to reopen the restaurant and get him and the new menu out for all to experience and enjoy.”

A founding member of the 1980s era “Mango Gang,” a group of bold young chefs who put South Florida’s fresh, tropical-accented cuisine on the national gastronomic map, Dewey LoSasso grew as a groundbreaking chef who has not slowed since those heady days. Alongside fellow Mango Gang associates including Norman Van Aken, Mark Militello, Robin Haas, Allen Susser and Douglas Rodriguez, he has continued to pioneer modern cuisine, making a name for

himself as a talented innovator in Miami and New York City. After three years of raves in New York and numerous stints as guest chef in kitchens around the world, LoSasso and wife Dale, a veteran restaurant manager and wine director, returned to Miami to open their first joint venture, North One 10.

The Forge has built a reputation as a fine dining destination with first class service and quality. The renowned establishment is best known for its superb cuisine as well as attracting leaders of businesses, devoted celebrity clientele and heads of state from around the world.

The Forge Restaurant is located at 432 Forty-First Street in Miami Beach, FL. For more information, call 305.538.8533 or visit www.theforge.com.

We here at Haute Living heard about the Make-A-Wish Ball on Saturday, November 7, 2009, where the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida and InterContinental Miami celebrated the 15th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, raising $1 million, with a Beatles-inspired cocktail reception and dinner, musical performance by Beatlemania Now, extravagant live auction emceed by Pamela Anderson, and 2nd Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist also appeared as a special honoree. “We are delighted to announce that our 15th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball was an extraordinary success,” said Norman Wedderburn, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida President/CEO. “As a result of the unwavering support of our donors, we were able to raise an astonishing amount of money for our children amidst these tough times. I am extremely grateful for all of the generous supporters who donated and contributed their time and efforts towards making this year’s Ball an unforgettable experience and more importantly, providing the resources that will make wishes come true for 200 children across South Florida.”

This year’s InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball was made possible by the committee’s star players: President/CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Norm Wedderburn; Ball Chairman and proprietor of The Forge, Shareef Malnik; and recently appointed InterContinental Miami General Manager, Robert B. Hill.

Also honored at this year’s Ball were Lifetime Benefactors Al and Nancy Malnik; Grand Benefactors Stanley and Gala Cohen; Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken; and Wish Star Benefactor James L. Ferraro, as well as Wish Benefactors Harvey and Roberta Chaplin, Stuart A. Miller of Lennar Corporation and Robert Press of Trafalgar Capital Advisors.

The evening began with an extravagant Beatles-inspired cocktail reception in the hotel’s Mezzanine, which was transformed into a wonderland reminiscent of the legendary group’s songs “Strawberry Fields,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” and “All You Need Is Love,” among others. The fantasy decor included a yellow submarine made of 1,000 balloons, a hand-carved carousel of air-brushed animals, six-foot-tall strawberries dotted with giant rhinestone “seeds,” and eight-foot-high letters that spelled out “LOVE” on an Abbey Road Studios facade.

Guests enjoyed bountiful hors d’oeuvre stations created by InterContinental Miami’s gifted Executive Chef Alexander Feher, spirits provided by Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., and the renowned silent auction that raised $87,000. More than 140 premier items were donated by top hospitality, entertainment, fashion and luxury brands, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Ocean Reef Club, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Lines and Christian Dior, to name a few.

At the end of the reception, guests were summoned to dinner by the event’s 47 themed performers, including a 10-foot lobster man on stilts, a bearded lady, a strong man, Sgt. Pepper characters, glittering mermaids and colorful sea anemones.

The dinner gala continued with beats by Miami HEAT resident DJ Irie and an action-packed live auction hosted by Anderson. Attorney Jim Ferraro donated nearly $500,000 for three items-a Ferrari California donated by Ken Gorin of THE COLLECTION; a home rental and golf experience at famed St. Andrews Links, Scotland, provided by Paul and Emma Woodhouse; and a trip to Punta Mita, Mexico courtesy of Strategic Hotels and Resorts, owners of InterContinental Miami. A total of $210,000 was raised by Miami’s top VIPs and philanthropists at the live auction.

The grand finale of the event featured live music entertainment, with Beatlemania Now bringing the crowd to its feet from the first chords of “I Saw Her Standing There.” Following the Ball and for the second time in InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball’s history, the after-party at InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub celebrated the Ball’s endeavors and reintroduced the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida to the next generation of contributors and Miami’s tastemakers in the fashion, arts, music and nightlife industries.

Just a taste of what’s to come…..

Owner Shareef Malnik is proud to announce Dewey LoSasso as new executive chef

MIAMI BEACH, FL – (October 6, 2009) – After a global search to find the new executive chef of The Forge – a culinary landmark in Miami Beach since 1969 – owner Shareef Malnik is proud to announce the appointment of Dewey LoSasso. The Forge will reopen its doors mid-December 2009 with a fresh new design, social and culinary concept.

The lengthy selection process spanned more than six months and consisted of 172 chefs showing off their kitchen skills and impressive signature dishes. Chef LoSasso proved to be top chef by beating out colleagues from around the world and being awarded the much sought-after title.

“I’ve known Dewey for years back from his days at The Foundlings Club in Miami Beach and as Donatella Versace’s personal chef,” says Malnik. “The moment we reconnected during my worldwide search for the perfect new chef something just clicked; he understands my culinary vision and where I see The Forge going in the coming years. I’m ecstatic that he has joined our team and cannot wait to reopen the restaurant and get him and the new menu out for all to experience and enjoy.”

A founding member of the 1980s era “Mango Gang,” a group of bold young chefs who put South Florida’s fresh, tropical-accented cuisine on the national gastronomic map, Dewey LoSasso grew as a groundbreaking chef who has not slowed since those heady days. Alongside fellow Mango Gang associates including Norman Van Aken, Mark Militello, Robin Haas, Allen Susser and Douglas Rodriguez, he has continued to pioneer modern cuisine, making a name for

himself as a talented innovator in Miami and New York City. After three years of raves in New York and numerous stints as guest chef in kitchens around the world, LoSasso and wife Dale, a veteran restaurant manager and wine director, returned to Miami to open their first joint venture, North One 10.

ABOUT THE FORGE:

The Forge has built a reputation as a fine dining destination with first class service and quality. The renowned establishment is best known for its superb cuisine as well as attracting leaders of businesses, devoted celebrity clientele and heads of state from around the world.

The Forge Restaurant is located at 432 Forty-First Street in Miami Beach, FL. For more information, call 305.538.8533 or visit www.theforge.com.

Shareef Malnik | Gala Chairman | Make A Wish

Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge restaurant in Miami Beach and the Gala Chairman for the fifth consecutive year, became involved as the Chairman to reinvigorate the image of the Ball.  “I believe very strongly in what the Make-A-Wish organization stands for and I saw the opportunity to be able to use my expertise in events and marketing to increase the fundraising potential of this event.  In my first year [as Gala Chairman], we broke every fundraising and attendance record in the event’s history!”  Malnik’s motivation to continue his involvement comes from seeing the happiness that the Foundation is able to bring to deserving children’s lives.  After experiencing the diagnosis of his younger brother with Leukemia and having him become eligible to receive a wish from the organization, Malnik was able to grasp the importance and the hope that a wish provides.  Thankfully, his brother is now cancer-free, but Malnik continues to bring improvements to the event.

After the Ball, guests are invited to head to the exclusive InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Nightclub, where they can party well into the night. Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10:30 p.m. InterContinental Miami, Chopin Room Individual Tickets $100 Tables available for $1,000 RSVP@CapponiGroup.com or to Lena Makurath at 305-695-4410

Special Guests

Richie Rich Pamela Anderson Tokyo Diiva The Players President & CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida Norman Wedderburn General Manager, InterContinental Miami Robert B. Hill Gala & Nightclub Chairman Shareef Malnik Nightclub Vice-Chairman Michael Capponi Nightclub Co-Chairman Clif Loftin Nightclub Co-Chairman Antonio Misuraca Honorary Host Committee Maxwell Blandford Paulo Cardoso Ingrid Caseres Nick D’Ann unzio David Grutman Hardy Hill Mark Lehmkul Michael Martin Eric Milon Jose Ortiz Jacquelynn D. Powers Vito Reznik Rich Santelise Nicola Siervo Tara Solomon Lauren Stoner Jimmy Vargas Music by DJ Joe Dert Choreography by Glenn Packard Executive Producer Gayle DePoli Creative Director Bruce Sutka Lighting Director Jorge Tellez (Set) Sound and Lights MasterSound