Review
Mirabelle

by Alicia Keating

Mirabelle was established in 1971 by George Germanides, who after 37 years, still loves to “work” his old English-style dining room floor. Mirabelle has been family owned and operated by the Germanides family since its inception, so obviously it has a long line of tradition to live up to. Executive Chef Joe Anguiano has recently joined the Mirabelle family. His philosophy towards food is to create a dining experience set-apart by fresh dishes made from seasonal ingredients that are rich in flavors. Anguiano is a Los Angeles native, and one of his early experiences included working at Bistro 45 in Pasadena where he was in charge of food purchasing. His culinary experience reaches from L.A. to New York and across the Atlantic to Spain where he learned the finer points of Basque cuisine.

I was excited to be a part of this new pairing of a proven L.A. restaurant family and worldy new chef as I rolled up my sleeves and dug in. I started out with a delicious bruschetta and a beet salad with a lovely touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Next up was a classic crab bisque; the richest person in the Hollywood Hills doesn’t compare to the richness of this decadent soup. Joe has added his own personal touch to this standard recipe with hints of citrus and tarragon. The butternut squash ravioli with amaretto sauce and crispy gnocchi were both unbelievably good.

For my main course I ventured out of my comfort zone to try the East Coast monk fish (also know as the poor-man’s-lobster), which had a very interesting texture and sauce. I also had the opportunity to try the sea bass with pureed artichokes. WOW! I’ve never had artichokes served in this manner. They had a fluffy mashed potato-like texture and a zingy flavor. Dessert was soufflé and crème brûlée. These are common staples at any french restaurant, but at Mirabelle they take the time to make each dessert into a little work of art. The soufflé melted in my mouth. I’ve had crème brûlée 857 times, but never has it been this tantalizing.

Mirabelle has a comfortable cozy feel with its wooden beams mixed with modern chandeliers. The prices are very reasonable, ranging from $14 to $35 for an entrée. They also have an extensive wine list and a nice collection of infused vodkas that make fabulous martinis. For more information, visit www.mirabelleonsunset.com or call (310) 659-6022.