The Things I'll Keep: Goodbye Braxton

So sad that Braxton Seafood Grill in Oakbrook is closing today.

So many good times there. Graham and Claudia introduced us to Braxton at least 10 years ago, and it's been our favored place to meet them for birthdays, special celebrations and impromptu Friday night dinners ever since. It's been an integral part of our friendship, the backdrop for so many of our shared memories. It's our place. 

It's also been the default meeting place for the book club Claudia and I started many books ago. At first we met at different restaurants every month — Maggianos, Pappadeaux, Egg Harbor, Cheesecake Factory — until one day we met at Braxton. Not too noisy, good food, good location, classic decor, solid. It just felt right and we knew we'd found a home. Our group met there so many times after that we teased about putting a name plate on one of the Godfather-like, curtained alcoves where we were often seated. "Braxton Book Club, est. 2002."

When Claudia heard rumors a month or so ago that it was closing, we met her and Graham for one last dinner at Braxton. Good time as always, if not a little sweeter because we knew this was it. We asked our waiter to wrap up a couple of coffee mugs as mementos.

Thinking about it all now on the day they close, drinking coffee from that mug. Smiling, tearing up.

I'd really never noticed before, but this is a classy, cool mug! It's super strong, solid and spirited; feels different. I want to keep it and the memories it holds forever.

They say they will reopen in a new, yet-to-be-discovered location.... We'll see. I hope so. In any case, wishing all the best to the owners and staff at Braxton in Oakbrook. You created something wonderful and extraordinary. Thank you.