Q: When was Mirabelle established?
A: We purchased it as Alfie’s, a small fast food place with a large patio, in September of 1971.

Q: What was your first vision in creating Mirabelle?
A: It already had the outdoor café feeling but eventually we envisioned more of a fine dining establishment and began hiring European trained chefs.

Q: How did you come up with the name for your restaurant?
A: As the hippy era dissipated we looked toward a more romantic name to accommodate the type of image we wanted to create.

Q: How has it evolved over the years?
A: It just naturally evolved with the times like a chameleon…from fast food, to basic, to what it has become today---a fine dining neighborhood destination with an innovative chef, a lounge and a bar.

Q: What makes Mirabelle different from the other restaurants on Sunset?
A: Mirabelle is ‘oh’ so different from any other restaurant on the strip. Firstly, we have been here 34 years. Secondly, we were willing to evolve with the times. Add to that our children who have brought with them a whole new dimension. They gave it a hip vibe without compromising the quality and service. One element that really sets us apart is the fact that you can almost always find one of my family members on the floor.

Q: Are there any fond memories or incidences that have happened at Mirabelle? One’s that you’ll never forget? What are they?
A: We were asked by Halle Berry to host her Oscar party. We were very proud of that she only wanted to have here party at Mirabelle even though the studios tried to persuade here otherwise. There are so many moments, Annette Funecello played hostess for a day during a Christmas holiday and Eddie Murphy delivered an impromptu comedy skit during the dinner hour. There have been thousands of great moments.

Q: How would you describe Mirabelle as a whole to someone asking?
A: Mirabelle as a whole is an enigma. It has a life of its own.

Q: How have you stayed in business for over three decades?
A: It’s called perseverance. How else could I explain it? I am not a trained chef and never had restaurant management training. It’s against all odds. I am a gambler and a winner. Every step of the way, I consider the customer—what does he or she like?

Q: Who are some of the famous people that have dined here?
A: The question is who hasn’t dined here. In 34 years on the heart of the strip, it’s hard to miss. Dictionaries of celebrities have walked through our doors from writers, actors, attorneys, politicians, sports figures and TV personalities. To name a few, Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Warren Beatty, Lana Turner, Diane Carol, Eddie Murphy, Britney Spears, Madonna, Sean Penn, Dr. Dre, Quentin Tarantino, Mohammad Ali, Lesley Nielson, Simple Plan, Motley Crue, Hilary Duff, Cheryl Tieggs, Stevie Wonder, Orson Wells, Jim Morrison, The Hilton family, Jessica Alba, and the list goes on from old time favorites to up and coming stars.

Q: Do you have any new plans in development for Mirabelle? What are they?
A: Currently we are completing our private dining room upstairs with a balcony that overlooks the city under the stars. Now that is romantic!

About George Germanides:
George Gemanides is originally from Athens, Greece. The inspiration behind Mirabelle came about when George and his wife just arrived from New York on their honeymoon. It was about 11pm and they passed what was to be Mirabelle. His wife said, “We must have that place one day.” George stays inspired in keeping Mirabelle alive from an internal drive within himself and also his love for taking care of people.

George comments, “I would like to say that even if I never get acclamation in the industry because we are not the trend of the moment, my wife and I are here, our children are here and we have been a success as a family,” he continues to say, “In retrospect, we are one of the only families surviving and thriving in a family owned restaurant on the Sunset strip.”

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