While the relaunched Forge restaurant has been open for two months, there is still scaffolding in place in front of the legendary Miami Beach spot. Next Tuesday, it will come down, revealing the French, Neoclassical inspired façade. While The Forge has always stood out in a town defined by Art Deco architecture, this revamped exterior will complete the reported $10 million renovation. Think gold and terracotta accents with concrete ornamentation and gilded touches. It should scream Paris in the 1800s.
Inside, The Forge has a decidedly more modern décor with lilac and crystal chandeliers, hand-carved blonde wood walls, smoked mirrors and a gigantic, open bar. In fact, the whole Francois Frossard-designed space feels airy and roomy with the recent overhaul, and there is no bad seat in the house. Gone, too, are the raucous weekly Wednesday night parties. Instead, The Forge has matured into a grownup restaurant destination where diners can sup on chef Dewey LoSasso's gourmet creations any night of the week.
That's not to say there still won't be soirees at this venerable space. Next Tuesday night, for example, the City of Miami Beach will celebrate The Forge 2.0's façade inauguration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It's time the outside matched the new, gorgeous interior.
The Forge
432 41st St., Miami Beach
305-538-8533
