Tower of Eatin'

We played tourist this weekend, spending Sunday afternoon meandering through the streets of Kennebunkport. When we needed a respite from the crowds and the chilly salt air, we stopped into Hurricane Restaurant. Perched overlooking the water in the heart of The Port (Dock Square), Hurricane has been on my list of places to try for quite some time.

I was impressed by Hurricane's extensive wine-by-the-glass list. Chilled from our afternoon outside, I warmed up with a glass of David Bruce Petite Sirah, while my husband enjoyed the Allagash White on draft. We perused the menu and settled on a bowl of the house specialty -Lobster Chowder - and the Giant Seafood Tower (how could we resist an appetizer with that name?).

The Chowder ($12) was fantastic. Served in a huge bowl (plenty for two to share), it was thick but not pasty and filled with plenty of lobster (though it could have benefited from a bit more sherry and butter). The Giant Seafood Tower ($45) was a tiered platter covered with raw littleneck clams, oysters, jumbo shrimp, Jonah crab claws and a whole lobster (served chilled). Talk about a feast from the sea! Paired with a buttery chardonnay, it satisfied my seafood craving.

Though I would definitely stop in again for a drink and appetizer, I would probably shy away from a special trip there from Portland only because the menu is a bit traditional for my taste. However, if you have out-of-town guests in search of fresh Maine seafood and a view that can't be beat, Hurricane fits the bill.