Austin’s Mirabelle Restaurant
article by Chantal Outon
MAGIC HAS ONCE AGAIN appeared in my professional life, dear reader, as I have been given the challenge of reviewing a remarkable Austin restaurant very dear to my heart and my stomach. The restaurantin question is none other than the exquisite and chic Mirabelle, where food and dining are taken very seriously.
Since its inception in 1998, Mirabelle has been delighting Austinites with beautiful, delicious meals and wines — all while providing a comfortable, yet stylish, dining atmosphere. In fact, Mirabelle’s reputation for quality and personality is hardly a secret. But for those readers who have yet to experience the charms of Mirabelle, you may follow me on a delicious adventure to one of Austin’s best restaurants.
First-time diners should know that Mirabelle is what many would term a “fancy restaurant.” Dress should be appropriate, not necessarily black tie, however. The folks at Mirabelle are happy to welcome you in your jeans and high-tops, this is Austin after all, but because of its rich atmosphere and elegant arrangements, diners may want to make a night of it and go “fancy” in their choice of dress as well as restaurant.
In fact, upon entering the parking lot on Mesa Drive, this little café may seem somewhat unasuming amidst a strip-mall backdrop. But once you’ve stepped foot inside, you’ll be singing a different tune. Mirabelle’s main dining area is part of what makes the experience of the restaurant so lovely. The golden tones of the room and the beautiful art adorning the walls create a muted and delicate ambiance that is not at all stuffy or uncomfortable.
The room is split into several sections in a clever way that makes you feel as if the space is a lot smaller, and therefore more intimate. A friend recently mentioned to me that one of the reasons she so enjoyed dining at Mirabelle was that, no matter where you’re sitting, it feels as though you are in your very own secluded area. Each table or booth is an island all its own. And whether you’re seated in the corner booth or the middle table, the Mirabelle staff will make you feel like royalty.
Some diners may want to bring a bottle or two of wine in with them (a small corkage fee is charged per bottle) although Mirabelle prides itself on its wine list. In fact, the menu is built around it. Restaurateur and sommelier Michael Vilim creates dishes that are inspired from wine — as opposed to choosing a wine to go with a specific dish. It may sound odd, but it is quite a brilliant way to approach cuisine, as is apparent in Mirabelle’s discriminating dishes, of which there are many.
And because there is an abundance of delectable dinner menu items (Mirabelle’s lunch items are also wonderful), it is paramount that first-time diners order an item from each section of the menu. You won’t be sorry. The appetizers are always a wonderful way to begin your Mirabelle experience, and because some menu items rotate, you’ll want to make sure you try it all while it’s available.
The Smoked Trout Cakes with Alsatian Potato Salad are just marvelous, and the Picadillo Empañadas, served with a
