Minding Mirabelle.

Even in a city of reinvention, the Sunset Strip stands out. But one restaurant on the Strip, Mirabelle, has stuck around by clinging to a tested formula for 30-plus years: classic food in an intimate setting.

Still, old favorites aren't beyond a touch up every now and then. And Mirabelle recently concluded several rounds of renovations, costing the family-owned operation a shade under $1.2 million.

"Although this is not the flavor of the month, we are always improving," said Damon Germanides, a principal at Mirabelle. "Our goal is always to keep it fresh and new so the clientele get to enjoy small nuances in the feel of the restaurant."

The remodels have helped Mirabelle outlast most of its neighbors. This year, Germanides said dining in West Hollywood has been hit hard by Hollywood, which has seen a bevy of new hot spots open. Despite the competition, Germanides said business is up of late, partly due to the restaurant attracting employees at local companies and tourists.

For example, during one of the rounds of renovations, Mirabelle overhauled its private dining. The restaurant now has a private upstairs room that fits 35 people and has a bar and a balcony. With those facilities, Germanides said he's been able to host 15 events this month alone ranging from corporate gatherings to graduation parties.

He also put together a lunch menu with 10 items for $10 that's been a draw for the local crowd, which has become more price sensitive as gas costs have risen.

Mirabelle was opened by Germanides' father, George, in 1971 as a hamburger and omelet place. Three years later, he converted it to the bistro and bar style venue it remains. "It has always looked kind of similar. "You wouldn't be able to build something like this today," he said.

Staff reporter Rachel Brown can be reached at [e-mail] or at [phone], ext. 224.