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Taste Of The Town: Something Old Is New Again At The Forge

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - If the walls of The Forge Miami Beach could talk, what stories would they tell?

The iconic landmark has been around since the late 1960's, hosting everyone from movie stars to politicians and even mafia men.

"Deals are made here, birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated here, people have been engaged here, gotten married here, been divorced you name it," said owner Shareef Malnik. "A restaurateur is like attorney-client privilege. We can't tell the tales."

Malnik literally grew up at the restaurant learning the ropes from his dad Al.

"I feel an internal obligation to keep the legacy going, but not just keep it going and staying alive, but being relevant and special to people yesterday, today and tomorrow," said Malnik.

What's new at The Forge is in the kitchen.

A brand new chef from New York City. At the helm is Executive Chef Chris Lee, who received the James Beard Award for Rising Chef of the Year.

"Me and my family were looking for a great restaurant, a legendary place like this with a great reputation to really grow roots and to use my talents to hopefully bring the restaurant up to a new level," said Chef Lee.

Chef Lee is a master at his craft and knows a good thing when he sees it.

One of those good things is The Forge's legendary Super Steak.

"It's a 16-ounce dry aged New York strip center cut steak, it's been around for long time," said Chef Lee. "Wine Spectator named it Best Steak in America. I had to keep up with that, I had to find the best meat in America now. So we did."

Chef Lee's new signature dish is the Black Truffle Mac and Cheese Pot Pie.

The crispy outside, the noodles and then cheese with black truffle is said to be a delicacy.

The Heirloom Tomato Salad with fresh Burrata is the perfect appetizer or even to have with bread and wine.

To end the meal, the Super Steak topped with caramelized blue cheese and onions.

The Forge is open seven days a week. For more information visit www.TheForge.com

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