The Schooner Eleanor sheds its shrink-wrap and the crocus muscle their way through the frozen ground. After a particularly snowy winter, we are very glad to see these harbingers. Soon, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth will eclipse the crocus and water will be flowing in our water garden. Opening Day for the Red Sox has come and gone, which is another signal that spring is truly upon us. Our favorite sign, however, is the proliferation of ones that say "Open" hung cheerily in the windows of local restaurants and shops, many of which are awakening from their annual winter slumber. Hurricane, Mabel's Lobster Claw, Bandaloop, and On The Marsh have either opened or will open later this month, adding to the wonderful variety of places to grab a bite to eat in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk.
Spring is always a time of anticipation, renewal, and change. This spring is no different with a handful of area staples being reborn as new ventures. After sixteen years of serving delicious, northern Italian fare, Grissini Italian Bistro will soon reopen as Abbondante Italian Eatery under the steady hands of Local restaurateurs Merrilee Paul and David Ross, who also created 50 Local and Owen's Farmhouse. The venerable Cape Arundel Inn is reinventing its namesake restaurant as Ocean, helmed by Chef Pierre Gignac whose Ogunquit restaurant 98 Provence was an area favorite for 17 years. Another new restaurant set to open this summer is David's Kennebunkport which will be located in a brand new waterfront building that has risen on the spot that used to be the Landing Hotel and Restaurant. Acclaimed Portland chef, David Turin's latest venture will offer creative, contemporary cuisine in a prime spot overlooking the water.
Other changes are afoot in Dock Square where a handful of shops and galleries are set to open for the season with new names and fresh offerings. Stay tuned for updates as the tides of time continue to pull us toward warm days filled with sun and surf.
