Forging Ahead
Five Facts About the New Forge

Every now and then, an old friend comes back into your life.

Sometimes it's in the form of a guy you went to college with. Sometimes it's in the form of an ex-lover. And sometimes it's on TNT and stars Patrick Swayze and a roadhouse.

And then there's The Forge, the Miami Beach restaurant/celebrity sanctuary that's back in business after an extended hiatus. Here's what you need to know about Forge 2.0:

• It opens this Wednesday.

• It looks totally different. (Owner Shareef Malnik gutted the space, nixing the gothic reading-room decor in favor of low-slung couches and a communal table made out of a single Indonesian tree trunk.)

• You'll want to use it for romantic dates or dinners with out-of-town friends.

• There's no shortage of lobster. Chef Dewey LoSasso (North 110) is ready to drop luxed-up comfort food on your table like Lobster Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and a grilled Angus sirloin burger topped with boneless short ribs and lobster marmalade.

• You might see Diddy (he was a fan of the old place). If he's there, he'll probably be in the Library, near the fireplace, under a crystal chandelier. Laughing at something you said.