French Restaurant Planned For Hinsdale

HINSDALE, IL – A French restaurant is expected to open in the train station in downtown Hinsdale, replacing a Mexican eatery.

Le Jolie – meaning "the pretty" – would offer oyster and raw bars, among other selections. Its food is described as a "touch of coastal French with American ingenuity."

The restaurant would replace Casa Margarita.

La Jolie's owner is Rich Baca, who was a partner for seven years at La Grange's Nicksons Eatery, which closed a few years ago.

Hinsdale leases out the space for Casa Margarita, but must consult with BNSF Railway before changing tenants, according to the village.

"We really feel like this building is positioned to serve a rhythm of commuters, locals and visitors alike," Baca said at Tuesday's Village Board meeting.

Baca plans to install a door and specialty pickup window facing Hinsdale Avenue. He also wants to move the dumpster to make room for outdoor dining.

Under Casa Margarita's contract, the restaurant is required to offer breakfast, Village President Tom Cauley said.

"They did not follow through on that," he said. "They opened (for breakfast) what for two days and then they closed it down."

Baca said his restaurant would offer artisan coffees and items such as ham and cheese croissants for breakfast.

At night, he said, the restaurant would be more like a supper club.

He hopes to open the restaurant in about a year.