Sam Helmke is a Maine-born and raised chef currently serving as Executive Chef at Sur Lie in Portland, Maine. A South Portland native, Sam brings a globally inspired, seasonally driven culinary voice to the restaurant, emphasizing local ingredients and bold flavor combinations. Before taking the helm at Sur Lie in 2025, he honed his craft in some of Maine’s most respected kitchens — including long stints at Inn by the Sea, the former Five Fifty-Five, and as executive chef at Paper Tiger in Portland. Since joining Sur Lie, Sam has refreshed the menu with inventive small plates and modern interpretations of global cuisines, all while celebrating Maine’s rich local bounty.