Mirabelle Temporarily Closes, Abandons French Menu

Repeatedly remade French spot Bistrot Mirabelle in northwest Austin is closing for the summer so the owners can "revamp the concept" and re-open later in the fall, per this sign sent in from a tipster who stopped by the Mesa Drive restaurant this week. Media rep Leslie O'Neill (wife to owner Brian O'Neill, nope, nevermind, that's Lisa O'Neill, who also handles their communications) confirms via e-mail that the area just didn't seem interested in their Frenchified style:

Bistrot Mirabelle is closing through August so we can revamp the concept and reopen in September. Although the French inspired menu was critically acclaimed, it didn’t resonate with this neighborhood. We’re fortunate to have the time to revamp and create a new American styled neighborhood restaurant this fall, so stay tuned.

Brian O'Neill bought the-restaurant-formerly-known-as-Mirabelle in September 2011 and took on chef Clinton Bertrand, who developed a French bistro-style menu when they relaunched as Bistrot Mirabelle in November. Bertrand then made some changes to the menu again in January of this year, and both Mike Sutter and the Austin Chronicle had nice things to say about the food this winter. Despite this, Bertrand left the restaurant last month and former Shoreline Grill chef Dan Haverty took over the kitchen.

Leslie O'Neill says they'll "reopen on or around September 4th, right after Labor Day."

· All Bistrot Mirabelle Coverage on Eater Austin [-EATX-]
· Bistrot Mirabelle [Official]
· All The Shutter Coverage on Eater Austin [-EATX]