The Forge Dynasty by Joseph Brown
Seated at a prime table in the main dining salon with six of his guests, Shareef Malnik momentarily disengages from the group's lively conversation and gazes around the opulently appointed dining room, as a sinful hint of satisfaction comes over his face. And justifiably so, for it is his restaurant�The Forge�that has, for the last thirty-three years, maintained its position as Miami Beach's premier destination for dining decadence.
The Forge is an American icon, a throwback to the lavish excesses of Hollywood in the 1930s and Monte Carlo in the 50s. It is a temple built to the gods of wine, women and song, and tonight is right on track to become just one more memorable night of dining and dancing madness set to a score of too much of everything�too much food, too much wine, too much hedonism.
The story of Shareef Malnik's Forge is the story of a Miami Beach dynasty.
The cast of characters at The Forge on this particular Wednesday night is straight out of a 1930's MGM movie—tables full of tourists from New York and Buenos Aires; local politicians smoking cigars and hamming it up; a South Beach nightclub owner and his entourage dropping-in for a visit; a few tables full of individuals who could teach the Sopranos a thing or two about business; and, of course, there are the ladies, young and lovely ladies—from fiery Latinas to statuesque Nordic beauties, all dressed to the nines, with cocktails in hand.
In The Forge Bar area which separates three adjoining dining salons, Pamela Canellas and the Hot Jam dancers are up on stage dressed in flowing white outfits and gyrating wildly to the frantic salsa/disco mix that permeates all of Miami nightlife. With waiters rushing from table to table throughout the five dining rooms and with large numbers of people simply dancing in the aisles, The Forge is indeed hitting on all cylinders tonight. Its English oak paneling, impossibly high ceilings, large Tiffany stained-glass panels and bare-brick walls radiate a stately ambiance of old Europe, but the parade of Jaguars and Roll Royces lined-up out front are a testament to its hedonistic popularity.
To understand The Forge's appel d'hédonisme requires an understanding of the strong personalities behind it: the man who originally created it—Alvin Malnik, and the man who now controls it—Shareef Malnik.
The predecessor of the modern-day Forge was a blacksmith's forge built in the early 1920s by Dino Phillips, who designed decorative iron gates and sculptures for wealthy Miami Beach families such as the Firestones and Vanderbilts. In the early 1930s Phillips transformed his shop into an elegant dining/dancing supper club and gambling casino where wealthy Miami socialites dined and danced under the stars in the outdoor garden area.
In 1968, after years of neglect the original restaurant/casino fell into disrepair and was purchased by Shareef's father, Alvin Malnik, a young Florida attorney whose name—thanks to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission—will forever be linked to legendary mob financier and former Miami Beach resident, Meyer Lansky. Alvin Malnik immediately embarked on a million-dollar makeover of the restaurant that reflected his love of European art and architecture. Original Dalis, Rousseaus framing a sconce from Napoleon's bed chamber and antique tapestries were set throughout.
Al Malnik's re-designed Forge opened its doors in March of 1969 and was immediately heralded as Miami's most glamorous destination filled with visiting celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton and Judy Garland. Politicos such as Richard Nixon and financier Bebe Reboso were also frequent guests, and, yes, Meyer Lansky and the boys were often seen dining at The Forge. As a matter of fact, it was upstairs in the original casino area in 1977 where Meyer Lansky's stepson, Richard Schwartz, shot Craig Teriaca, son of an alleged underworld figure, after a quarrel over $10. (Three months later Schwartz was found murdered in his Cadillac behind The Inside Restaurant on the Bay Harbor Islands.)
The crowning achievement of The Forge was always its wine cellar, an eight-room, underground facility containing more than 300,000 bottles of the world's finest vintages. Among the rarest, which are secured behind floor-to-ceiling iron gates, are a 1792 Madeira and an 1822 Chateau Lafite Rothschild—the later worth an estimated $150,000. So impressive is The Forge's wine cellar, that French financier and noted oenophile, Baron Elie de Rothchild once donated bottles from his private collection after visiting restaurant.
Al Malnik's colorful history in Miami Beach is a matinee-quality storyline that earned him huge financial returns. But, big returns don't come without big risks. In 1982 his canary yellow Rolls Royce was blown-up in the underground parking garage of his residence at a high rise Miami condominium called the Cricket club, which Malnik had previously developed. Speculation as to the reasons behind the attack ranged from some sort of warning to Malnik and his business associates, to an elaborate scheme to fool federal investigators who were looking into his affairs at the time.
In 1987 Malnik's friend, pioneer speed boat builder and Formula Marine owner Don Aronow was shot to death while sitting in his car on Miami's NE 188th Street, an area known as ThunderBoat Row. The reasons why are still unclear.
Over the years questions were often asked—sometimes by government investigators, sometimes by the IRS—about Malnik's financial dealings. One case brought against Malnik by the IRS concerning his 1962 and 1963 tax returns lasted over twenty years, with Al finally winning in 1985.
But, perhaps the most interesting questions of all came with recent tabloid speculation that Al Malnik has some sort of association with pop-star Michael Jackson. A dinner at The Forge between Michael Jackson, Al and Shareef Malnik and their wives made front page news. And when news broke that Michael Jackson often stays overnight at Malnik's multi-million dollar Ocean Ridge, Florida estate when he's in town, headlines such as "Is Jacko Married to the Mob?" and "The King of Pop and the Mob?" popped-up in numerous publications. Reliable sources will only say that Jackson and Malnik are "personal friends," and "they've been friends for years." The official word from Malnik is "I have no present or past business relationship of any kind with Michael Jackson, nor is one contemplated."
However out of character an association with a modern pop star such as Michael Jackson might seem, it would actually be somewhat in line with previous associations earlier in Al Malnik's career. He reportedly served as attorney for Sammy Davis Jr. and several other members of the Rat Pack during the 1960s, and celebrities such as Russell Simmons, Benjamin Bratt, Harvey Keitel and Salma Hayek have all attended parties at his South Florida home, making Al Malnik's association with the entertainment industry a well-documented fact.
Malnik has also apparently been a positive influence on Miami Beach's Brett Ratner, director of "Red Dragon" and Jackie Chan's "Rush Hour." The relationship is sometimes described as that of "a father figure and mentor."
Alvin Malnik often donates to his alma mater, the University of Miami, and most recently, Al and his wife Nancy were honored as lifetime benefactors by the Make A Wish foundation during a lavish ceremony at the 8th Annual Hotel Inter-Continental Ball in Miami.
Even though questions still remain unanswered, two things are absolutely indisputable: first, through a series of real estate developments from Florida to California, and associations with powerful individuals, Al Malnik has amassed a serious sum of money throughout his lifetime, and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor in a 35,000 square foot beach-front villa, Beaux Arts Mansion, in Ocean Ridge, Florida, and secondly—he created one hell of a restaurant.
Shareef Malnik was born to Alvin and his first wife, Debbie in 1958. By 1982 he had earned his law degree from the University of Miami and was living the glamorous high-life in Miami Beach.
In the early 90s, Shareef indulged his passion for off-shore racing by competing first in the American Power Boat Association's offshore circuit and then the Offshore Professional Tour, winning the 2nd Annual Offshore Grand Prix of Miami. In 1991 he narrowly escaped death when his catamaran - The Forge - was heaved into the air at well over 100 knots, rolling over three times before finally coming to rest. Shareef's helmet was ripped from his head during the accident, leaving him with a serious concussion and a two day trip to the hospital.
Shareef soon garnered a notorious reputation for his adventurous, thrill-seeking lifestyle which included running with the bulls in Pampalona, shark-diving in Walker's Cay and racing a Porsche 911 in the American Le Mans Series Championship.
As if off-shore powerboat racing, auto racing and the glamorous lifestyle of a restaurant/nightclub owner wasn't enough, Shareef has also, on occasion, accepted acting roles. In 1995 he appeared in Just Cause, starring Sean Connery and Kate Capshaw, and in 2001 he was cast in The Blackout, which starred Matthew Modine, Claudia Schiffer and Dennis Hopper. Shareef also won kudos for his portrayal of a hallucinating cokehead in the psychological drama Caf� y Tabaco (Coffee and Tobacco) produced and directed by Miami's Michael Justiz.
With his daring style and leading-man good looks, Shareef Malnik also demonstrates a distinct adeptness for acquiring high-profile wives. During a four year period while his father was acting as chief financial advisor to Saudi Royal family member Prince Turki Bin-Aziz, son of the king of Saudi Arabia, Shareef married Sheika Hoda Al-Fassi, the daughter of Prince Turki's brother-in-law, the notoriously flamboyant Sheik Mohammed Al-Fassi.
(Sheik Al-Fassi almost single-handedly supported the South Florida economy during his year-long stay here in the early 80s by purchasing several homes from Miami Beach's Star Island to Golden Beach and The Landings in Fort Lauderdale, plus numerous cars and boats. At one point, the Sheik ran-up a $1.4 million bill at the Diplomat hotel in Hollywood. Miami, however, withdrew its welcome mat when Sheik Al-Fassi's checks started bouncing. Sheik Mohammed Al-Fassi, who also gained notoriety for hiring artists to paint pubic hair and flesh-colored genitalia on the classic Italian statutes that surrounded his 38-room Beverly Hills mansion, passed away on December 24, 2002 in Cairo, Egypt.)
After Shareef's marriage to the Saudi princess�a period where he and his father spent much of their time residing in the Saudi Royal Family Palace�Shareef returned to Miami and later married his fourth wife, the beautiful fashion designer and former MTV Latin America veejay, Edith Serrano. However, after four years of marriage they were recently divorced.
In the summer of 1991 an early-morning fire did an estimated $7 million in damage to The Forge. When it re-opened in November, Shareef Malnik had assumed ownership of the business replacing his father at the helm and has controlled The Forge's ever since.
In August of 1992, less than a year after Shareef took control of The Forge, Hurricane Andrew tore through South Florida, leaving in its wake a devastated city without water or electricity. For most businesses this was an inconvenience, but for The Forge it spelled disaster�the restaurant's multi-million dollar wine cellar, which had been maintained at an optimum temperature for decades, was ravaged by Miami's August temperatures that soared well into the 90s.
Over the next year, sommelier Gino Santangelo kept meticulous records of which vintages were rejected by diners, and it soon became painfully obvious that many of The Forge's oldest and rarest wines had suffered damage and were failing to live up to the restaurant's world-famous high standards.
In November, 1993, Shareef Malnik hired renowned British wine expert Clive Coates to evaluate the 300,000-bottle cellar for evidence of degradation. Coates uncorked 50 select bottles, some of which dated from the early Nineteenth Century, and determined that many of The Forge's most desirable vintages were hopelessly degraded.
When The Forge's insurance company only offered to pay a mere $450,000 for damage to the cellar, the Malnik's sued their primary insurer Assicurazioni Generali of Italy and Transamerica Insurance Company for $5 million dollars for the loss of 25,000 bottles of classic Bordeaux and Burgundies. $3 million of the total amount was for the loss of some extremely rare vintages.
When Shareef had first assumed control in 1991, The Forge's clientele was predominantly Miami's aging upper-social class. Anticipating the South Beach renaissance of the early 90s, Shareef set a course to dramatically transformed The Forge from a haven for old-money Miami to an exquisitely hip destination for a new breed of social animal pouring into South Beach as it transformed itself into an international hotspot.
In 1996 Shareef opened Cuba Club, an upscale private smoker's club that catered to celebrities. To this day the club's walk-in humidor contains private locked-boxes with names such as Sylvester Stallone, Quentin Tarantino, Matt Dillon, and August Busch IV engraved on them.
Shareef also partnered with Pepe Horta to bring Little Havana's famed Cafe Nostalgia to The Forge, and again transformed his club in 1997 by beginning an association that lasts until this day�he partnered with legendary Queen of the Night, Regine to open Jimmy'z at Cuba Club.
Regine (who was once given a twelve-foot boa constrictor as a gift by friend and famed film director, Federico Fellini) is one of the most successful and prolific nightclub creators of all time. Her first club, Chez Regine, opened in Paris in 1958, and at one time she owned 19 nightclubs in Paris, Monte Carlo, Rio de Janeiro, Saint-Tropez, New York, Santiago, Cairo, Kuala Lumpur and London.
Jimmy'z is a three-room complex that operates like an old-time speakeasy, complete with front-door peep-hole for screening guests. The club's infamous "Drop Your Pants and Forget Your Name" punch is legendary for its effects, and the list of celebrities seen at Jimmy'z is endless�Michael Jordan, Madonna, Sir Paul McCartney, Robert DeNiro...on and on.
The result of Shareef Malnik's stewardship over the last fourteen years is that The Forge has been transformed into a dining and entertainment venue that rivals the best in the world. Its renowned cuisine and white-tie service attracts top-tier diners from all over the world. Wine Spectator Magazine has bestowed its "Grand Award" on The Forge every year since the honor was instituted in 1981, and where old-money Miami socialites previously dined, it's now often hard to determine if The Forge is really operating as a restaurant or a nightclub. But, on this particular Wednesday night, it's a question that no one is really concerned with.
It's just before midnight and the late-night party crowd begins to arrive. House manager Joe Day shouts instructions to four of his assistants as they position large sections of elevated flooring right through the center of the main dining salon to create a runway where svelte models will momentarily present designer Ema Savahl's spring collection to the guests. As the girls take the stage one by one, people push forward for a better view.
Toward the front at the entrance to Jimmy'z, a bouncer is besieged by three young beauties as he apologetically explains that the doors to the nightclub won't open for another thirty minutes. With sultry smiles the girls coyly suggest that they're willing to do anything to get into Jimmy'z tonight, but the bouncer holds firm.
And back in the main salon, as Shareef Malnik gazes on, the music plays, the liquor flows, and the party rolls on...
Jean Claude Biguine Salon & Medical Spa
Miami Beach, FL - Lincoln Road is a vibrant destination where South Beach’s chic and sophisticated residents and visitors converge. The synergy of the city’s masses creates a constant atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Now, there is an oasis where one can indulge in an environment of luxury and relaxation. The flagship Jean Claude Biguine Salon and Medical Spa has just opened on Lincoln Road. It the premiere facility combining the talents of the world’s best beauty professionals, estheticians and physicians to provide beauty and rejuvenation in an ambience of South Beach elegance.
Jean Claude Biguine is a name internationally recognized as an authority on beauty and style. The Lincoln Road location takes the brand to an even higher level. The concept was to create a beauty and aesthetics destination for the new millennium. It was conceived with all the panache of South Beach and all the latest cutting-edge technological advancements in rejuvenation therapies. Today, millions of men and women around world avail themselves to the benefits of medical aesthetics. The promise of non-surgical rejuvenation is a reality today. Many customers now prefer the setting of a beautiful salon and spa as oppose to a clinical setting. According to owner Bader AlFassi, “Our challenge was to create a world-class salon and medical spa that captured the essence of South Beach --and we exceeded our own expectations.”
As one enters the double glass doors, you are immediately embraced by the stunning décor and the aura of relaxation that permeates throughout the salon and spa. Jean Claude Biguine Lincoln Road provides customers a stunning array of beauty services. At the salon, a team of talented stylists from around the world offer the latest techniques in hair styling and coloring. Clients can also enjoy the world’s most creative manicures by Nicky, manicurist and nail artist for “America’s Next Top Model”. For the ultimate beauty experience, visit celebrity stylist Trini Wagner in the VIP Room. This private room is a luxury hideaway; it is the perfect place to unwind and relax with friends or hide from the paparazzi-- while indulging in a total image makeover.
If you are seeking an escape for the mind, body and the senses, Jean Claude Biguine features exotic selections of facials, massages and treatments. De-stress your body while eliminating cellulite with an Essential Detoxifying Body Wrap. Let your mind relax as you enjoy an Aromatherapy Massage. Enjoy the ultimate indulgence with a Caviar Facial Treatment. Allow the spa’s estheticians to work their anti-aging magic on sun-damaged, wrinkled skin with Microdermabrasion. Very fine natural crystals refine the skin and soften wrinkles, diminish acne and remove scars. Endermologie treatments will help diminish unsightly cellulite, so you stroll our sexy beaches with confidence.
Maintaining youth and rejuvenating your appearance dramatically is now possible with today’s advancements in the field of Medical Aesthetics. The Medical Spa at Jean Claude Biguine offers men and women an array of non-surgical procedures with excellent results. Dr. Gary Merlino, an Internal Medicine Board-Certified and Botox Allergan Certified physician oversees the team of doctors, and that provide these new millennium treatments. Clients can erase the signs of age with Restylane, Botox, and Laser procedures. One of the latest innovations in the world of aesthetics is the “lunchtime liposuction”—Mesotherapy. Clients can melt away fat with a series of quick injections. Impressive results with this treatment are possible within a few short weeks and without the pain and risks involved with surgery. The spa also offers a menu of Laser treatments for the removal of hair, age spots, and tattoos.
Once your day is over at Jean Claude Biguine, you can still enjoy the experience at home. The salon and medical spa offer hair care and skincare products from Biguine, Eugene Perma, Kerastase, Serie Expert L’oreal, Phyto, Redken, Wilma Shumann and M.D. Forte. For a select few, the salon features a private collection of exquisite perfumes.
While Jean Claude Biguine Lincoln Road is relaxing escape during the day, on weekend evenings, a D.J.’s music fills the atmosphere of the salon. The energy of South Beach fills the space as clients enjoy the rhythmic beats while preparing for an evening in this exciting playground. As Bader Alfassi states, “South Beach is the epitome of style and Jean Claude Biguine Lincoln Road is the premiere destination for style and rejuvenation—day and night.”
Jean Claude Biguine Lincoln Road is located at 1118 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. It is opened 7 days a week from 10:00am to 9:00 p.m. For more information or appointments, please call 305-535-5650.
World's Top Nude Beaches
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| World's Top Nude Beaches |
| by Ginger Fulkerson |
Exposed...bare...nude. It's the way you entered the world, and for some, it's the ultimate liberation of mind, body and soul. For decades, beaches across the globe have embraced this theme and welcomed those in search of an all-over-tan to their shores.
While this concept may seem like a fantasyland filled with flawless physiques, these nude destinations are legitimate and actually promote frolicking up and down their shorelines in nothing more than a smile.
Whether you're a naturist, exhibitionist or just curious about how the other half lives (and looks), these top 10 nude beaches are the perfect destinations for those seeking the ultimate expression of freedom under the sun.
Number 10
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
If soaking up the rays in your birthday suit is something you've always dreamed of, but never actually done, then Ocho Rios Beach in Jamaica is your best bet. For nude-sunbathing novices, Couples Resort in Ocho Rios offers a private island where everything from clothes to inhibitions can be shed, although the remainder of the resort is not clothing-optional. To help insure privacy, the secluded beach is located 200 yards offshore. Run down the pristine white-sand beach, play in the crystal-clear water or just sit back and relax as the sun looms over your bare skin at this Jamaican-naturist getaway.
Number 9
Wreck Beach, British Columbia
By taking the "Thousand Steps" trail through magnificent cliffs, naturists will encounter Vancouver's only clothing-optional beach, Wreck Beach. Local volunteers take extreme pride in the beach and maintain the area, keeping it free and clear of garbage, as well as voyeurs looking to sneak a peek at au naturel sunbathers. Although Wreck Beach is not a legal nude beach, authorities generally overlook this factor because of the popularity and pristine reputation of the spot. With a short warm season, Wreck Beach becomes a very popular destination for those seeking an all-over tan.
Number 8
Red Beach, Greece
What's more enjoyable than gazing at beautiful, mountainous red-sandstone cliffs? Gazing at heavenly nude bodies, of course. And at Crete's Red Beach in Greece, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Red Beach, which gets its name from the hue of the surrounding cliffs, was deemed a nude beach by hippies in the late '60s. Since then, Red Beach's resort has embraced nudity in all areas of its facilities - except for in the dinning area. In the age of the free-love movement, it's easy to see why young Europeans flocked to this beach's sultry shores. On top of "letting it all hang out," the beach also offers sun worshippers the opportunity to submerge themselves in cobalt-blue waters surrounded by quaint European cottages. Ancient ruins serve as a backdrop to the already-enchanting locale. With so much eye-pleasing scenery, you may never notice the physiques at play.
Number 7
Red, White and Blue Beach, California
With an all-American name like Red, White and Blue Beach, this 34-year-old nude-beach destination is an American classic. Located in Santa Cruz, California, this naturist beach is a mainstay for bohemians and curious sunbathers alike. As a privately owned beach, Red, White and Blue Beach is grounds for anything from nude sunbathing and nude barbecuing to spring sessions of nude whale watching. There's even a designated area for nude camping. In California, Red, White and Blue Beach is a haven for bathing beauties who are as golden as the sun's rays.
Number 6
Samurai Beach, Australia
Home to Bardot's Clothing-Optional Resort, Samurai Beach in Port Stephens is the most athletic nude beach to date. Frisbee, volleyball, tug-of-war and a variety of other sports are all played on the shores of these snow-white sand beaches - and all played sans clothes. But amateur nude sports enthusiasts beware, Samurai Beach is home to the Nude Olympics. Each November, naked bodies compete in events such as nude surfing, nude racing, even a nude torch relay. There's even a nude beauty pageant, dubbed the Nude Beach Guy and Girl Competition, where a king of queen of the beach add sashes and crowns to their birthday-suit attire.
Number 5
Praia do Pinho Beach, Brazil
In a time when it seems like every supermodel originates from Brazil, it's a wonder men aren't making a beeline to Brazil's beaches. But the nude-beach concept is still relatively new to this country. Despite the Brazilian style of revealing clothing and skimpy swimsuits, most beach dwellers prefer to keep it covered - as much as a Brazilian bikini can cover, that is. It wasn't until 1987 that Praia do Pinho Beach opened its shores to the nude public as Brazil's first official nude beach. Today, Praia do Phino Beach is a naturist hotspot. Travelers from across the globe head here to shed their clothes and bask in the tropical glory of the Brazilian sun. In fact, the beach' shoreline is so popular between the months of December through February, that finding a section of sand may be a complicated chore.
Number 4
Hedonism II, Jamaica
So much more than just a nude beach, Negril, Jamaica's Hedonism II is the present-day equivalent to Sodom and Gomorrah. On this beach, anything and everything goes - literally. A sought-after destination for sexy singles and curious couples, Hedonism II's resort is described as "a lush garden for playful passion." From the infamous anything-goes Thursday toga parties to the dedicate eateries, Hedonism is a hotspot for those who aren't inhibited and ready for adventure. But if nude recreation isn't your thing, the resort offers a separate facility for those who opt not to shed their clothes. Appropriately nicknamed "nude" and "prude," the two sections of Negril let you enjoy Jamaica's best in whichever way you feel most comfortable.
Number 3
Little Beach, Hawaii
It is said that demigod Maui captured the sun. In doing so, he forced the sun to move overhead much slower, allowing those on the island of Maui to enjoy its rays longer. It is also said that this powerful demigod was born on Little Beach. Steeped in such history, Little Beach was destined to become a legendary destination. While nude sunbathing is not legal in Hawaii, authorities have a tendency to look the other way when it comes to nude sunbathers on this Hawaiian island. In fact, the area is known as "the unofficial clothing-optional beach" of Maui. Surrounded by the lush, beautiful ambiance of Hawaii's natural bliss, Little Beach's shoreline attracts local and vacationing naturists, as well as artists and celebrities. But despite the occupation of the personal lying next to you in the sand, everyone can agree Little Beach is a slice of heaven on earth.
Number 2
Haulover Beach, Florida
Located between Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles, Haulover Beach is just a few miles north of South Beach, which is why this area serves as a sanctuary for some of the world's most attractive bodies buffing-in-the-sun. Haulover is county-operated and sanctioned by the state, making Florida a destination that not only respects nudity, but one that totally embraces it. And for the naturist at heart, Haulover Beach is much more than just a nude beach. It is also the epicenter for the South Florida Free Beaches Association, an organization of naturists who work to keep the beach pristine. From certified lifeguards and volleyball tournaments, to group activities and organized events, (like Nude New Year's Eve), Haulover Beach elevates nude sunbathing into an entire lifestyle.
Number 1
Montalivet Beach, France
As the birthplace of the naturist movement, France's Centre Helio Montalivet ranks as the No. 1 nude beach destination because of its friendly, established style and impressive secluded wilderness surroundings. Created in the '50s, this resort on France's Atlantic Coast offers a list of activities including nude sunbathing, shopping, yoga, soccer and art classes. Montalivet boasts 1,800 campsites and 172 bungalows for those who need an escape from the outside world - and their clothes. In Montalivet, nudity is completely legal, encouraged and even shared in a family environment. It is here naturists can experience the innocent lifestyle Adam and Eve shared before their eyes were forever opened.
The Girl's Guide to South Beach Nightlife by Stephanie Wilson
Face it girls, most nightlife guides are written by-and-for the boys. And the boys (bless them one and all) usually have but one thing on their mind�the thrill of the chase. Of course we girls wouldn�t have it any other way, but don't you think it's about time that someone wrote a nightlife guide from a girl's perspective?
Well, with that in mind, here�s a nightlife guide designed especially for you ladies wishing to further your amorous adventures during your next visit to South Beach.
Clubs, Clubs, Clubs
While Miami Beach is known worldwide for its raging club scene, you must keep in mind that not all Miami Beach clubs are located in�uh��clubs.� Many of the coolest scenes around are found in hotels, restaurants (after midnight) and lounges. The key to Miami Beach nightlife is knowing where and when to find �the scene� on any given night. Here are the must-see-must-do�s:
B.E.D.
929 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.532.9070
The restaurant/night club known as BED hosts a free dinner for ladies every Monday night during their second dinner seating at 10pm. Girls pour in the doors all night long to take advantage of all the club has to offer. The pre-selected dinner (changed weekly) is brought out to the beds where the ladies lounge. Once the girls have dined and the bamboo trays are cleared, the lights dim and the hip-hop music cranks up. This weekly party is by far the hottest Monday soir�e in town, and I recommend getting there early. Be sure to give Empire Events a call (305.534.9909) during the day to ensure your name is on the list�otherwise, no free dinner and the wait at the door can be discouraging. (And don't let the PR photo above fool you...BED is packed every night by 11pm.)
Sanctuary Hotel's Roof Lounge
1735 James Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.673.5455
A recent addition to South Beach, the Sanctuary Hotel's Rooftop Lounge may be the new best-kept secret in town� but don�t expect it to stay that way for long. No expense was spared in making this hotel a chic retreat, and news is spreading by word of mouth alone as the owners aren't bringing in promoters to energize the scene. And from the recent looks of it, nothing more than word of mouth is needed: Sanctuary's roof-top lounge is rapidly becoming the place to be on Fridays and Saturdays as a launch-pad to pre-game for the big party, which in South Beach, lies directly ahead regardless of where the night takes you.
The Hotel Astor
956 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
On any given Tuesday night, a sure bet is TAI Entertainment�s party at the Hotel Astor. Renowned promoters Casares/Pooch/Roth make sure the models are-a-plenty, providing eye candy for both boys and girls. Be sure to get their early and dress your best, because the hassle at the door can be overwhelming. The party is kept selective by keeping the regular passer-by�s out, but if you dress the part they'll know you're looking to play. Once inside this indoor/outdoor party, you have your choice of several bars, but the drinks can be somewhat pricey (plan on $10-15 a round). Just think of it like this: You're simply paying for the lush atmosphere and the amazingly good-looking company you just met.
The Forge
432 41st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33140
The Forge is a Miami Beach institution and their parties are legendary. On Wednesday nights, after serving dinner to haute Miami�s most discriminating clientele, the place packs a full house of scenesters who are just as picky about their partying as the dinner-crowd is about their steaks. And if you're looking to catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two, The Forge is your place: Anyone in the latest issue of People who happens to be passing through Miami Beach usually makes a stop at this destination for fab dining and exclusive lounging. The music varies between different rooms, pleasing just about everyone in Miami�s socially and sexually diverse scene. And luxurious surroundings full of happy people make for amazing parties, week after week.
Sky Bar at the Shore Club
1901 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.695.3100
A personal favorite of mine, the Shore Club Hotel�s Sky Bar has something to offer no matter what your mood. Their Thursday night party, hosted by Erica Freshman and Zack Bush, brings in the perfect mix of locals and tourists. If you would prefer to move and groove in a club-type locale fit for a P Diddy video, just jump into the notorious Red Room and give your thing a good ole� shake to the hip-hop groves. When your amazing moves catch the eye of one of the resident hotties, and you need to go somewhere to chat, the outdoor living room-themed Red Room Garden is great for conversing with your new found friend, who is obviously interested in buying you as many cocktails as you can consume all night long. If you and your new beau want to lounge by one of the enormous pools on one the beds provided, feel free. The Rum Bar is conveniently located centrally between the two pools for easy access. Just keep in mind that during Sky Bar hours, the pool is off limits: You can look, but don�t touch. *Please note: This rule does not apply to the hunk at your side.
Crobar
1445 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.531.5027
Crobar is a dance-lovers wet-dream. This four-tiered club is a renovated movie theater and everyone here comes to party. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Crobar is a destination for locals and tourists-alike, and the line is always long, even at 4am. This Miami Beach institution has no problem charging $20 a pop to get through the doors even at 4am, knowing full well that the party is almost over. They get away with it because the party is that good. In order to get away from the almost overwhelming crowd, try to slip upstairs to the VIP (Not an easy task, but try the �My friend has a table right up there. Point, and when he turns to look, slip past like you know what you are doing.) And once you get up one flight of stairs, don�t stop there�There are more VIPs to be found. Almost hidden in the upper left corner of what seems to be the end of the line, there is a door leading to a small private room, which can be classified as Upper VIP. This small, intimate hidden room is home to all the debauchery you can imagine, night-after-night. The walls are lined with small tables and chairs, and those lucky enough to find themselves in this setting can actually talk and hear above the music, unlike the rest of the club, which pumps its house tunes loud enough to get every patron�s body moving.
Rose Bar at the Delano Hotel
1685 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.672.2000
There's no place in South Beach quite like the Delano. Upon entering the front door of the hotel, patrons are awed by the sheer massiveness of the walls and of the sophistication of the setting. Only the elegant feel of the Rose Bar matches the old-world Miami Beach grandeur of the lobby. Located in the back of the main floor of this South Beach landmark, the Rose Bar pours plenty-a-cocktail every evening, and does so in a style befitting a queen (you). The atmosphere virtually demands that you sip only the finest bubbly while gabbing with your friends. And if you're in need of a sugar-daddy, The Delano is your best bet. (While recently enjoying my own glass of bubbly in the lobby, I overheard an older gentleman say to his young prey: �I want to buy you something � not a drink, I was thinking more along the lines of a handbag.� And what girl couldn�t use one more purse?)
Hotel Victor
1144 Ocean Dr
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.428.1234
A new and much-needed addition to the South Beach nightlife scene, the Hotel Victor has certainly taken over Thursdays with their party hosted by Michael Capponi. Whether you plan to relax in the posh settings for the entire night or to simply start your evening off in the right place, the Hotel Victor's bartenders are hot, the digs are beyond fashionable, and the d�cor is stunning. The scene is at once both relaxed and stimulating. The restaurant draws in the upper echelon, dressed to the nines, and after dinner they make their way up to the second floor atrium and mingle with the crowd where you are just as likely to find patrons in jeans as fancier frocks. The Hotel Victor is highly recommended.
Mansion
1235 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.531.5535
Having just celebrated their one-year anniversary in style, Mansion�the biggest club in South Beach�shows no signs of slowing down. Their parties are the best of the best and consistently bring in top celebrities galore. Mansion is best on weekends (including Thirsty Thursdays, of course), where both the main and hip-hop rooms are packed with partiers. Be prepared to dance, dance, dance once you make it inside, which, by the way, can be a feat in and of itself. Because of the overwhelming popularity of Mansion�s bashes, be prepared to wait in line a bit to join the fun. But as always, acting like you should be in is always one way to get it. Girls, march right on up to the door man, give him your best smile, (shoulders back, chest out) and let him know that you are on the list, even if you are not. But if you really want to avoid the fuss, easiest thing to do is make a phone call during the day and ensure your guest-list status. Give the club a call and ask them who is handling their guest list for the night�s event. Its one sure way to guarantee you're in the game, instead of cheering from the sidelines.
Mynt
1921 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
786.276-6133
Possibly the most selective of all of South Beach�s clubs, Mynt Lounge is host to superb festivities every weekend. The front room plays up-tempo house beats, while the back room blasts the hottest hip-hop. This is where the 1% gene poolers come to party: bouncers have no problem telling the not-so-perfect they are not up to par with the regular clientele. But the attitude at the door doesn't hinder the party inside, which is always bumping. The beat often moves many a girl to shake it on the table top� I personally have damaged some personal property at this posh locale by putting my heel through the white leather couches while dancing in the hip-hop room. Oops! What can I say, the music moved me to new heights, and I was forced to live in the moment. So ditch the shoes if you want to dance high above the crowd.
Priv�
136 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.531.5535
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays there is no place like Priv�. This club is actually considered the VIP room of the Opium Garden, which lies below. Priv� is made up of a hip-hop room and a house room, both of which are packed weekend after weekend with South Beach�s young hot crowd. Upon gaining entrance to Priv�, you're also given access to Opium Garden and you can feel free to gloat: Those not in-the-know enough to stick to the left upon arrival at the complex are forced to stay down below in Opium Garden. But there are worse places in the world to be stuck than Opium Garden (such as any of the clubs that lie between 500-700 Washington Avenue). The party down in the trenches is just as hot as up in Priv� and by hot I mean both bumping and without air conditioning�Opium Garden (unlike Priv�) is an open-air party, so keep an eye on the weather before heading out.
The Roof at the Townhouse Hotel
150 20th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.534.3800
On Friday nights the rooftop lounge at the Townhouse hotel gets packed with the young and laid-back beautiful people who are just looking for a good time� on a waterbed with a view. For guests and locals looking to get their groove on high above the hectic street below the Townhouse hotel opens up its rooftop lounge where the unique red-and-white d�cor seems straight out of a 60�s movie set. The party is more of a starting-out point than a final destination and the innovative drinks available soothe your inhibitions and get you ready for whatever the night brings.
Raleigh Hotel's Sunday Soiree Party
1775 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.534.6300
When you're looking to end your weekend in the right place, head over to The Raleigh Hotel's Sunday Soiree pool/beach party, and join the rest of Miami Beach�s in-crowd as they relax after a weekend of partying like the stars they are. Whether you are looking to gear-up or wind down, The Raleigh�s Sunday Soiree is a must-do. The atmosphere is one of a casual pool party circa 1955, albeit with dance music instead of Sinatra. Feel free to lie by the pool, sit at one of the tables on the sand, or join the crowd around the fire-pit. Once the sun goes down, the tempo of the party gets kicked, and people settle in to party all night� again.
