Eschewing the usual Grey Goose on the rocks – we had already had one round during a pre-dinner meeting – we opted for a glass of wine as we talked and perused the menu. It was chock-full of fish and I began to salivate at the choices. The group decided on a single appetizer of Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes (Creole remoulade, mango tartar sauce: $12.50) for the table. When the waiter described them as being made of “almost entirely crab”, I assumed that the cakes had the usual sea legs as filler. Was I in for a pleasant surprise! When the cakes came, they presented themselves as two nicely sized ice cream scoops of 100% crab on an eye-appealing square plate guarded on two sides by dipping sauces – one was something of a spicy Louis sauce and the other a spicy mustard sauce. The crab was very fresh, the flavors exquisite, and the cakes disappeared as if ordered to flee the plate at gunpoint. I could hardly wait to see and taste the entrees.

The menu was loaded with mouth-watering choices and it was difficult – at least for me – to decide what to order. Mr. Lombardi chose Sautéed White Fish (Lake Superior: $17.75). Mrs. Lombardi did not hesitate in selecting the Seared George’s Bank Scallops (Lemon herb butter, garlic mashed potatoes and chef vegetables: $24.95), while Lauren chose a Grilled Bay of Fundy Salmon Salad (Montrachet goat cheese, soft croutons, tomatoes, balsamic onions and spinach: $18.95). I opted for the San Francisco Style Cioppino (Shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, fresh catch, red wine tomato sauce: $18.95), a dish that I have had only had on two other occasions since I first tasted it in Marina Del Rey, California in 1975. It is not a common item on restaurant menus, at least in the Midwest.

When the dinners arrived, no one was to be disappointed; there were smiles all around the table. There was also one more piece of evidence that the food was excellent: conversation ceased as we all dived in to a sumptuous maritime feast. Portion size was perfect, plate presentation was very well done and all meals were served hot. It was also obvious that the neither scallops nor fish was overcooked and the flavors were at once both separate and exquisite. My Cioppino was chock full of all advertised ingredients and was almost identical to the west coast version I remember. Lauren was amazed at the large piece of salmon that accompanied her salad and reported an excellent flavor from the palate-pleasing salad.

Since I had originally not planned on a review, I did not ask any questions of our friends, though they were both quite pleased with their dinners. I must say that the ambience was warm and inviting, the tables were dressed in white cloths and pale green napkins encircled the silverware. Waters were kept full and the service was prompt and professional. I did notice that the wait staff worked in tandem with a partner who delivered the appetizer and who bussed the table. My only ding would be on the young man who paired with our server during the meal.  He seemed a tad overzealous and a bit quick in clearing the table, in turn causing Lauren and I to feel rushed, too. Other than that, everything was as a diner would hope it to be. The tab for the four dinners was very reasonable considering four dinners and an appetizer, plus wine. Dinner prices range from $15.95 for Crisp Fried Catfish to $63 for a 3-pound Live Maine Lobster.

I give Braxton 4 ½ Zins, and I would definitely recommend that you visit Braxton Seafood Grill – especially if you like seafood. There are plenty of mouth-watering selections and, looking at the menu now, I want to go back again. 

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