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Home » Culinary Connection
Culinary Connection
An Old Gold Standard Becomes New
Classic Mirabelle on the Sunset Strip Improves with Age
By Gerry Furth-Sides
Instead of trying the trendy, pricey new places first, fighting the crowd, why not visit one very deserving old gold standard: Mirabelle (1971)?
Mirabelle is a restaurant people tend to "remember fondly." Whiling away a good part of a recent afternoon on their enclosed side garden patio, then over a family dinner the next week up front, now enclosed, is why: a superb meal perfectly served.
Leave it to the Greeks. Owner George Germanides picked a terrific location but he must have done something else right -- his business outlasted the bustling Tower Record store and Spago across the street, which used to be such people-watching fun. Instead of doing multiple units of his original hamburger stand, George, now with his grown family, evolved Mirabelle into a jewel of a gourmet bistro, with reasonably priced, topnotch comfort food and service.
True, the inside darkly "intimate" dining area is best for a romantic dinners. True, traffic is tough during rush hour. True, smoking is allowed on the side, copper-top bar area, filled with a buzzing to boisterous Happy Hour daily from 4-7, with discounted drinks, oysters and appetizers.
Yet there's always a patio available with a wondrous solarium feel. Bold, inviting art nouveau décor instills a luxurious Mediterranean atmosphere throughout Mirabelle's with flowing lines in rich wood. Leafy plants and rattan seating with ample pillows make it especially hard to leave.
Mirabelle recently extended its 38th anniversary special of a $19.71 special three-course dinner through the year. "We don't want our customers to miss the camaraderie and exuberance of dining out during this tough economy," says Germanides. "People should not have to sacrifice fresh ingredients and quality for value."
Germanides is good to his word. Portions are generous and it's a tasty, inexpensive way to become acquainted with the menu. Mirabelle's Chopped Salad, Caesar Salad, or Mirabelle's Signature Crab Bisque are the first-course choices.
Sherry is the secret of the sublime, silky Crab Bisque, served since 1971. Rum spikes the BBQ sauce of the Angus boneless Beef Short Rib, served with addictive sweet potato fries and herb slaw ($16).
Angel Hair Pasta, Chicken Dijon, or Hangar Steak are second course choices. The Hangar Steak is tender and tasty with too many crispy fries not to share.
A variety of ice cream flavors with sauces are the dessert course. But someone at the table has to order the heavenly, rich Signature Chocolate Soufflé with ice cream and whipped cream - Bistro Gardens, move over. Even the regular quality, menu offers $10 lunch dishes and dinner entrees ranging from $15 - $38, not bad either.
Here, "fresh," means "fresh."
Most dishes have their own special touch deserving of a "Signature" label, such as the square platter with little dishes of hummus, Mediterranean olives, roasted almonds, and grilled pita. Pepperoncini adds a subtle kick to Mirabelle's extra-crispy, pan-fried calamari.
Old favorites include fresh seafood Iced Platters, reminiscent of the old Sunset Strip supper clubs, and a Tour Du Jour seafood selection of three small plates with a central theme ingredient. And if it's not on the menu, just ask.
Mirabelle, 8768 Sunset Blvd, W. Hollywood (valet and street parking. www.mirabelleonsunset.com (310) 659-6022. Newly renovated private event room overlooking the city, catering.
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