NATHANIEL PORTER INN,

Formerly the home of an 18th-century sea captain, the Nathaniel Porter Inn offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with carefully prepared food, a warm welcome on a cold winter's night. Despite its colonial legacy, the inn does not confine itself to venison and Indian pudding. The vegetable lasagna ($11.95) was right on the money. The grilled eggplant and zucchini that were layered with the noodles and cheeses gave a distinctly smokey taste to the dish. The baked onion soup ($2.50) distinguished itself with Spanish and Bermuda onions, leeks and shallots. Other entrees include chicken breast stuffed with apricots and basil and finished with Grand Marnier ($13.95), and baked trout crusted with pine nuts and pecans ($13.50).