To continue our partnership with World Red Eye (WRE) for the #FoodDrive305 they caught up with the one and only Shareef Malnik as he took a drive in the super sleek McLaren 570S. Entrepreneur, Shareef Malnik, is one of the country’s top restaurateurs, with over 25 years experience in the hospitality industry. The Forge, Malnik’s celebrated, award-winning steakhouse and wine bar, is iconic at home in South Florida, as well as all over the world. At The Forge, Malnik has elevated dining to new, luxurious levels while maintaining impeccable service standards and exhibiting an eye for fine art and chic interior design. The Forge has been a part of the Miami Beach culture and community for over 48 years.
By day, Malnik is the Chairman of Nextwave Funding, which provides funding to thousands of small and mid-sized companies across the nation. However, Malnik might be best known for his charitable endeavors. Malnik proudly holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Make-A-Wish. He has also held the prestigious title of Chairman of the InterContinental Make-A-Wish Ball for the past 13 years, helping to raise more than $21 million which has been used to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Under his leadership, the gala has become the most coveted event in South Florida. Fittingly, Malnik has received the Key to the City of Miami Beach six times, has been made an honorary police officer of the City of Miami Beach and has been awarded “Citizen of the Year” by the Mayor of the City of Miami Beach and has been recognized for “Innovations in Business” by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. If there is only one thing for certain, Malnik is a visionary, and as WRE continues our partnership with THE COLLECTION, it was necessary for Shareef Malnik to get behind the wheel of the stunning McLaren 570S.
World Red Eye: Where are some of your favorite places to go in Miami?
Shareef Malnik: Miami is one of the most diverse cities in the world. During the day I work at my finance office, then the Forge by night, chairing the Make-A-Wish Board, and spending time with family makes it tough to enjoy my favorite places in Miami. However, I love brunch at the Soho Beach House, training and recovering at my favorite gyms Anatomy and Barry’s Bootcamp. Some of my favorite restaurants include dining at Alloy Bistro and Niu Kitchen in Downtown Miami, Komodo in Brickell, Naiyara in Miami Beach, and Farinelli in Coconut Grove. I love doing just about anything in Coconut Grove.
WRE: You’ve lived in Miami Beach for your entire life, now you’re moving to Coconut Grove. Tell us about why you’ve chosen to leave the beach?
SM: I grew up in Miami Beach, went to Beach High and still have my restaurant on Miami Beach. I love and will always love the Beach, however, I have lived in Coconut Grove for the past two years and cherish ever minute I spend there. It is truly magical and, most importantly, my wife adores the Grove. They always say, “Happy wife, happy life.”
WRE: How long have you been running iconic steakhouse, the Forge?
SM: I’ve been at helm of the Forge 27 proud years and counting.
WRE: How have you preserved your fathers legacy at the Forge?
SM: My father’s attention to detail and fervent passion to create an experience the guest will never forget, lives in me. When I renovated the Forge, I kept certain design elements as an homage to him as well. We are nothing without those mentors that came before us.
WRE: You recently just had a The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival event at the Forge, tell us more about the event.
SM: The Forge was honored to have be part of such an amazing event at The South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The Forge hosted a Dinner by Tyler Florence, featuring the Forge’s Jonathan Waxman, & Christopher Lee as Part of the American Airlines Dinner Series, the event was a tremendous success. The slow poached, Sou Vide Turbot was my favorite. We are proud to be part of the best the Festival in the world. Lee Brian Schrager has created South Beach’s most important event alongside Art Basel.
WRE: You’re the Chairman of the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. How long have you been a part of the Foundation and what is your favorite part of being Chairman?
SM: I have been somehow connected to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for 23 years. I have been Chairman of the Intercontinental Make-A-Wish Ball for the last 13 years, Chairman of the Capital Campaign for the last 2 years, on the Board of directors for 7 years and I’m in my second year as Chairman of the Board of Directors. You can say that Make-A-Wish is in my DNA. There is nothing more rewarding than forever changing the life of a child with a life-threatening illness. It is the most important thing I have ever done.
WRE: We know you’re a car guy, whats your favorite feature of the McLaren 570S?
SM: The hard top convertible is my favorite feature of the McLaren 570S.
WRE: The McLaren570S is packed with technology. What was your favorite tech feature?
SM: As a former car racer, I like the technology feature race suspension and paddle shifter of the McLaren 570S.
WRE: Where did you go with the McLaren 570S?
SM: I drove the McLaren 570S to the Forge, of course, and parked it right in front for all of my guests to marvel at. I also drove the McLaren to Anatomy to take its rightful place among all of the other exotic sports cars driven and parked there by the Anatomy members.
WRE: Have you ever driven the McLaren 570S before this drive?
SM: This was the second opportunity for me to drive the McLaren. Actually, my father owns a McLaren donated by The Collection which he bought at the Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball auction.
WRE: How would you describe the driving experience of the McLaren 570S?
SM: Driving the McLaren 570S is what I imagine flying a an attack space ship out of Star Wars would be like.
WRE: Would you recommend the McLaren 570S to your friends and family?
SM: I have been recommending the McLaren 570S to all of my friends and family because it’s not just a high performance car, it’s a car you can drive every day.
WRE: Whats next for Shareef Malnik?
SM: What’s next for me, I’m not sure yet, but you can bet I will find it at The Collection.
