Wolfie’s Rascal House - Miami Beach, FL
Posted by Ben | Under Restaurants - Fun Times Saturday Sep 6, 2008
As I write this review, I am heartbroken to learn that my favorite Miami Beach deli has closed its doors… Ralph Wolfie’s Rascal House was legendary and commanded waiting lines that snaked around the building day after day after day.
In recent years, my buddies and I would head down to the South Beach / Miami Beach area for a quick weekend getaway and meals at Wolfie’s were a must. Each time I had the pleasure of introducing my friends to this establishment and everyone loved it. It was nostalgic, historic, and one of a kind.
As far as I am concerned, Wolfie’s had the best stuffed cabbage. The stuffing was a gourmet meat seasoned with plump raisins. Sweet sugary raisins gave the stuffing a unique flavor that was enhanced by a fresh tomato puree covering braised cabbage loosely wrapped and rolled. One thing about Wolfie’s, the portions were all big enough for two.
My guests loved the Matzo ball soup, I preferred the old fashioned chicken noodle. Soups were always hearty and fresh. Before departing, no one could leave without a few rugalachs and famous Black & White cookies. Just awesome.
Pickles were always on the tables, the dining counter had round backless stools, and the wait staff were elderly bleached blonds with sun damaged skin. These ladies must have been blond bombshells in their day, and their long time employment allowed them to regale young customers with stories of visiting celebrities from a bygone era.
I have been unable to determine why this establishment has faded into history, but I am going to investigate. I would assume the new generation might not fully appreciate a living legend.
Goodbye Wolfie’s Rascal House, you will be missed.
