Mirabelle Wine Bar Enlivens Valley Village

David Gibbs and Nick Caballero know good wine. The duo hails from Augustine Wine Bar, where they served as proprietor and GM, respectively, at one of the Valley’s best places to drink rare wines. The pair is now branching out on their own, adding Mirabelle Wine Bar in Village Village to their duties.

Mirabelle runs things a bit differently than Augustine. It offers vintage bottles but none available by the glass. Their “small and interesting wine list” includes tantalizing tastes of 1984 Ritchie Creek Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena and 1968 Bodegas Valoria Viña Valoria from Rioja, Spain. More than 30 less exclusive wines are available by the glass. Chenin blanc and Lambusco are even available on tap.

Mirabelle also has a bigger focus on beer, with nine taps rotating ales and lagers like Killeller American IPA, Three Weavers Imperial Stout and Bell’s Brewery Czech-style Pilsner.

In addition to standard pairings like cheese and charcuterie, chef Jeremy Elkaim crafts some pretty ambitious eats from their tiny “kitchenette” at the back of the bar. Highlights include silky ahi tuna crudo plated with sauce gribiche, crispy shallots and Serrano chilies; Flannery beef carpaccio with potato pave, wild arugula and sharp pecorino shavings; and oranges “a la Marocaine” complemented with cured olives, red onion, mint and cumin.

The space has a homey vibe with exposed rafters, white and blue walls, and welcoming lounge area with a cushioned couch. A marble bar hosts wood and black metal stools. A row of high two-tops line one wall.

12518 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, 818-927-4241