A trip to South Florida would not be complete without a gourmet adventure at The Forge|Wine Bar. In the Roaring ‘20s, this legendary eatery was an actual forge – a blacksmith shop owned by artisan Dino Phillips that designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for the homes of wealthy Miami winter residents, including the Firestones and Vanderbilts.
In the 1930s, blacksmith Phillips turned his forge into a sophisticated restaurant and casino where regulars including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Jackie Gleason and Arthur Godfrey who wined, dined and danced. The Forge’s specialty was its flavorful open-hearth-grilled steak. This has been a hot spot on Miami Beach since the 1920’s and in 1968, international financier Alvin Malnik bought The Forge, gutted it, and spent more than a year transforming it into an opulent restaurant that rivaled the finest in Europe. In 1969, The Forge reopened a lavish showcase for Malnik’s vast collection of art and antiques. A new generation of the Malnik family, Shareef Malnik, became proprietor of The Forge in 1991 and his goal has always been to inject a shot of hip sophistication into The Forge’s existing eloquence and glamour.
In addition to dramatically elegant dining rooms, The Grand Tasting Room and Forge Bar, there is the East Room at The Forge available for private parties. The famed Wine Cellar at The Forge contains more than thousands of vintages in an eight-room cellar within the restaurant. It is considered by oenophiles to be one of the finest collections in the world. The rarest bottles, including a 1822 Chateau Lafitte Rothschild – the latter worth an estimated $150,000.00 – are secured in a chamber behind floor-to-ceiling iron gates. The collection is consistently recognized by Wine Spectator, which has bestowed the restaurant its highest honors – The Grand Award.
The result is a packed restaurant that attracts the crème de la crème as well as celebrities galore from around the globe. With a total redesign, the warm lighting and elaborate décor invites you for a special evening where the attention to cuisine and service is second to none.
Enjoy and get ready for an unbelievable gourmet journey beginning with Giant U-2 Shrimp Cocktail or delicious Jamaican Jerk Bacon with Tropical Salsa, as well as sensational Yellowfin Tuna Tartare with Daikon Radish, Shiso, Scallion Pancakes, Miso Sake Dressing and Caviar. Additionally, you can never go wrong with California White Sturgeon or Russian Ossetra, served with Black Current Vodka Gelee, Creme Fraiche, Onion, Egg, and Warm Blini’s are phenomenal. Luscious Goat Cheese Ravioli with Iberico Ham, Marcona Almonds, Black Pepper Honey, and Herb Emulsion as well as the irresistible Maine Lobster Risotto with Sugar Snap Peas, Fine Herbs, Black Garlic Emulsion are second to none.
Deliciously chilled salads are abundant in the form of Tableside Caesar, Kale Salad tossed with Dried Currants, Pine Nut, and Parmesan with Lemon Vinaigrette or Organic Baby Beet Salad with Heirloom Apples, Goat Cheese, Granola, dressed with Autumn Spice Vinaigrette.
Known as the home of the #1 Steak in America, the selections are unstoppable. The Super Steak, prime 35 day dry aged N.Y. Strip was chosen “Best Steak in America” by Wine Spectator Magazine. Filet Mignon is available bone-in or out and the 16oz Spiced Rubbed Boneless Ribeye and 40oz Dry Aged Prime Tomahawk Chop are all grilled to perfection. You can accessorize your Steak with the addition of Garden Vegetable Chimichurri, Blue Cheese Creamed Caramelized, Onions, Duck Egg & Smoked Bacon, Shrimp Scampi, Maine Lobster Gratin or “Rossini”, Foie Gras & Black Truffles. Simply irresistible!
Amazing Canadian Salmon is served with artichokes, black olive, fennel and a warm chorizo vinaigrette while buttery Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass, served with Baby Bok Choy, Shiitake Mushrooms, Yuzu Ginger Reduction, burst with flavor. Delicate Veal Tenderloin “Oscar” is served with Green Asparagus, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Capers and Hollandaise while the Oven Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken with Haricot Vert, Potato Puree, Pearl Onions, and Black Truffle Jus was comforting and luscious. Black Truffle Mac and Cheese Pot Pie, Caramelized Wild Mushrooms and the delicious variety of side dishes are large enough to share.
Indulge in Belgian Chocolate, S’mores or Grand Marnier soufflés with delectable sauces, individually prepared, delicate and melted in our mouths. The Forge Blacksmith Pie, a classic for over two decades, rising from a chocolate chip cookie crust, thick layers of Swiss dark chocolate ganache, fresh vanilla custard, and whipped cream was unbelievable. Tipsy Limoncello Cheesecake with Candied Pine Nuts, Raspberry Dust, and Pistachio Croutons is refreshing and light while the Dark Chocolate Napoleon with Toasted Fluff, Caramel Popcorn, and Meyer Lemon Gel was decadent.
Now featuring the hottest entertainment in town on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday the Forge presents Project F a live component orchestrated by celebrated Miami musical director Sista Marybeth (Marybeth De Sarle). Spontaneous performances may include a vocal, instrumental or both. The performers are not costumed and vignettes appear more impromptu. Performances have earned standing ovations every night. On Friday Night is the Veuve Clicquot Happy Hour with Music by DJ producers Oui Sauvage (Maxwell Blandford + David Gamara) showcasing Neo Disco, Disco, Vintage, Sexy Bolero, 80s, Classic House and Deep House. Wednesday Night “Remastered” With DJ Ynot Neo Soul and R&B.
This unforgettable dinning experience is perfect for any occasion. Located at 432 West 41st Street on Miami Beach, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (305) 538-8533. Bon Appétit…
– Curated in Think Magazines
