Billing itself as “a perfect place to ride, dine, drink, and explore,” ICON Park is welcoming visitors for a full day of fun that includes a visit to its on-site Shake Shack to commemorate National Burger Day on May 28. Although the true origin of the hamburger is a matter of considerable historical dispute, this uniquely popular sandwich is now considered to be an American staple, from fast-food joints to swanky steakhouses.
National Burger Day celebrates America’s unofficial sandwich and ICON Park is marking the occasion with the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger, a featured Shake Shack creation that’s not only delicious but resonates with patriotic pride.
ICON Park is the perfect place to taste this uniquely American treat. Spanning 20 acres, ICON Park is an open-air amusement park and entertainment destination located in the heart of Orlando just off International Drive. In addition to offering free admission, the park allows visitors to park free of charge in its expansive parking garage.
The signature attraction at ICON Park is the massive rotating observation wheel known simply as The Wheel. Towering 400 feet into the air, The Wheel allows riders to view Orlando’s most noteworthy landmarks from an extraordinary vantage point. Sitting or standing comfortably in one of The Wheel’s air-conditioned capsules, riders take a full rotation, during which The Wheel offers spectacular panoramic views of downtown Orlando, Cape Canaveral, and the surrounding Floridian landscape.
At the base of The Wheel is the Wheelhouse Market Food Hall, ICON Park’s massive dining and entertainment complex that includes the arcade multiplex In The Game. In addition to its broad spectrum of prize-dispensing games, In The Game features the Mirror Maze, the 7D Motion Theater, and several spectacular virtual reality experiences. Other great attractions at ICON Park include the wax sculptures at Madame Tussauds Orlando, the stunning fish at the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, and the trompe l’oeil art of the Museum of Illusions.
When it comes to food and drink, ICON Park encourages visitors to peruse its numerous and diverse dining and drinking options while strolling the light-festooned brick promenade that surrounds the dancing fountains of its central water feature. ICON Park’s wide array of restaurants range from the distinctive tacos at the Mexican spot Tin & Taco, to the crepes at the rustic coffee shop iCafe de Paris, to the impressive draft beer selection at the sports bar Yard House. But of course, on National Burger Day, you owe it to yourself to stop by the renowned fast-casual Shake Shack.
Even more than the delicious shakes for which it is named, Shake Shack is beloved for its outstanding burgers. Composed of 100% Angus beef, each Shake Shack patty is cooked to perfection for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. In recognition of National Burger Day, Shake Shack is excited to announce the release of its uniquely American Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger — a truly exceptional item more than six years in the making.
“We love crafting fun, delicious menu items in an elevated way, inspired by our fine-dining roots and always with an emphasis on premium ingredients,” says Mark Rosati, Shake Shack culinary director. “The star of our new summer menu is a bourbon bacon jam that we make in-house with Maker’s Mark Kentucky bourbon.”
A legendary bourbon that uses corn, winter wheat, and malted barley, but no rye, Maker’s Mark is indicative of the United States’ unique take on barrel-aged whiskey. Taken with Maker’s Mark’s distinctive flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak, Shake Shack mixes it with pureed bacon smoked for six hours over applewood chips. The result is a sauce that’s both sweet and savory with smoky notes and a touch of spicy heat.
Shake Shack spreads its bourbon bacon jam over aged white cheddar, then tops it with crispy shallots, ShackSauce, and a toasted potato bun. Although the burger features exceptional ingredients, Mark Rosati makes the star of this delicious show perfectly clear. “The Maker’s Mark taste profile and bold flavors are what makes it special,” he says. “We can’t wait to show off our new Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger and kick off summer the right way!”
Although National Burger Day is the ideal day to try the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger, Shake Shack has something for ICON Park visitors who prefer chicken. Also featuring Shake Shack’s amazing Maker’s Mark bacon jam and white cheddar aged for three months, the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich trades the shallots of the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger for fresh, crispy pickle slices. No matter which sandwich you choose, it’s essential to stop by Shake Shack during your day of fun at ICON Park. This holds as true on National Burger Day as it does on any day of the year. f Shake Shack’s gourmet Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Burger starts at the reasonable price of $8.49, and the base cost of the Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Chicken Sandwich is even lower at just $8.09.
