Bistro Monet closes in downtown Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN – An Indian fusion restaurant called Bombay Joes plans to move into the space at 462 N. Park Blvd. in downtown Glen Ellyn that formerly housed Bistro Monet.

Bistro Monet closed its doors in May following the retirement of the restaurant's chef, Michel Saragueta. The restaurant had received acclaimed reviews since opening in 2007 in what was previously a French restaurant.

"After 56 years of cooking, Chef Michel is looking forward to traveling and enjoying a more leisurely pace," a post on the restaurant's website stated. "Rare if not unique, Bistro Monet was an oasis of dignity in a world today where too many restaurants compete loudly and brassily for customers. There would be none of that for Chef Michel. Truly his customers learned of him through word of mouth."

Glen Ellyn Economic Development Coordinator Meredith Hannah said the restaurant and its chef will be missed.

"We will definitely miss chef Michel," Hannah said. "He's a wonderful man. He's a gentleman of a fellow, and we are really going to miss his presence."

Saragueta, who was born in France, has an extensive resume.

"We did a little interview with him on our Glen Ellyn Television YouTube page where he talks about serving Frank Sinatra and working with Julia Child," Hannah said. "He's really done so much. We really do just wish him the best in this next adventure."

Bombay Joes may request a grant from the village, but that has not been determined, Hannah said.