Five Fifty-Five's Soup of the Day

I learned very recently that Five Fifty-Five has agreed to join the line up of restaurants supporting Portland's Taste of the Nation. Chef/Owner Steve Corry will be creating the event's first course: Chilled cucumber soup with creme fraiche, salmon tartare, and a fragrant fresh dill oil.

This deliciously creative recipe will set the tone for the evening. Steve's chilled cucumber soup will be followed by courses created by Hugo's, Back Bay Grill and Cinque Terre.

Portland's "Taste of the Nation" is Maine's contribution to Share Our Strength's nationwide fight for an end to childhood hunger.

The meal doesn't end with Cinque Terre -- Steve Corry, Rob Evans, Larry Matthews Jr. and Lee Skawinski, will be joined by chefs from Bresca - Krista Kern, Fore Street - Sam Hayward, Eve's - Jeff Landry, Camden's The Edge - Bryan Dame. Even more restaurants and chefs are expected to be adding their voices and signatures to the event in the coming week.

Taste of the Nation is Sunday, June 22, 2008, on Cow Island. Cow is the Rippleffect property in Casco Bay. To learn more about Taste of the Nation check out www.sosportland.org. Tickets will sell out. So I encourage you to not wait until the last minute.

I should let you know that I lead Share Our Strength here in Maine. It's an honor to work with these chefs. It's also an honor to volunteer with my friends and bring this event to life. This is our third annual Taste of the Nation.

I invite you to join me in telling friends about Taste of the Nation. Buy your tickets and come celebrate with me at this amazing culinary fundraiser on the water. Share your strength and help fight childhood hunger in Maine.

Steve Corry's soup of the day is something you don't want to miss.

Cheers - Jim

Shout Out To Vaughn Street

Have you ever been to Vaughan Street Deli in Portland's West End? It's right next to Maine Med. The place is an institution, from what I can tell. It's bustling at all hours. At lunch, the line is usually five people deep. Everyone there is happy; the aromas, speed and efficiency, variety and always happy to see you staff, never fail to bring a smile to your face. My friend Ryan McMaken first introduced me to Vaughn Street. He and Pfeffer were loyal customers. Ryan has moved on but I am carrying the torch. Like Ryan, I am constantly introducing friends to this wonderful place. 

Vaughn Street is on my mind because they have opened in South Portland, at the corner of Sawyer and Rt 77. The former home to Dicicco's and the Light House deli. I noticed a chalk board sign and some balloons outside last week. There was no sign saying "Vaughn Street." Had there been, I might have have stopped and kissed this now hallowed ground. Instead I learned about the opening when I went into the West End store for lunch that same day. A small handwritten note card saying "Visit our new South Portland location" was propped up on the counter. I knew right away that it had to be Sawyer and 77. So the next AM I popped into the So Po location for coffee and a bagel. In all honesty, the staff at the new location seemed like they could have cared less that I sought them out. I hope this changes. Attitudes like this can kill place. This first encounter won't stop me from going back. Vaughn Street is well worth our patronage.

Vaughn Street offers many delicious sandwiches and rollups. Most are ready for you to grab-and-go. You can custom order, but why bother. Here's a sample of the ready made selections:

• Smoked salmon with cream cheese, fresh dill, cucumber and Bermuda onion

• Smoked turkey with fresh pear, cheddar cheese and Dijon sauce

• Pepperoni with provolone cheese, artichoke heart, pepperocini, Greek olives and tomato

• Black pastrami with Swiss cheese, romaine lettuce, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing

• Marinated roast beef with provolone, sun-dried tomato, Greek olives, fresh mushroom and Bermuda onion

• Salami with avocado, tomato, garlic mayo and pepperocini

During March a few friends of mine were visiting Portland. They came for the Twin City of Bushmills contest inspection. Gordon Donoghue, Bushmills master distiller was leading the pack. It was a busy day of visits to pubs, meetings with the chefs who were supporting the contest, and a key to the City of Portland presentation. Lunch had to be quick and filling. We chose Vaughn Street. Gordon opted for the turkey and pear. At the end of his meal he turned to me and smiled, reached across the table and shook my hand. Then he informed me that Vaughn Street needs to open in Bushmills. According to Gordon, it was the "best sandwich" that he had ever eaten. Coming from a man who is known world-wide for his ability to judge intricate flavors, this is high praise. The pastrami Reuben is my favorite. Pay them a visit and see if you agree.

The best sandwiches in Portland and now in South Portland are at Vaughn Street Deli.

Good luck Vaughn Street!