1.e4 c5 2.e5 then what?

I was surprised by 2.e5 in the Sicilian in a game recently.

I thought of several replies. Advancing the d- or f-pawn allowes the e-pawn to be exchanged. Maybe that's not such a bad thing? I just felt that my King was a bit vulnerable without the e-pawn. Or 2...f6 3.exf6 gxf6, but this would make Black's O-O less appealing later, as the g-pawn is missing.

There is 2...e6 which probably will be met by 3.f4, but then if Black tries to close the position with 3...f5, there is 4.exf6 gxf6 which again leaves Black without his g-pawn.

I also thought about 2...Nc6, but again 3.f4 would keep White's e4 pawn safe. 3.e6 would demand fxe6 (or dxe6) giving Black a pair of doubled e-pawns on the 2nd and 3rd rank which isnot the basis of a healthy pawn structure.

So, I wonder what is the best reply? And why?

I also wonder what is White's idea behind 2.e5? Is it to establish a plow of pawns on the dark squares reaching from h2 via e5 to b2?

The game continued:

simply d6 to crush whites center and black is more than okay.

By the way... you cant play 2...f6 3.exf6 gxf6 because 4.Qh5 is checkmate!!!

nice opening

Strong players find 2...d5 (or Nc6 first but then d5). 2...d6 is no problem for White who will go 3.f4 and so on, to have his fun...

The best move in this position is knight to c6

I like e6 then Nc6.