Universal Orlando Resort is grateful for the service of military personnel and veterans, as well as appreciative of their family members who support them. That’s why we’re not only celebrating November as Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month, but we’re also honoring it with three special dishes crafted by the talented chefs at Universal CityWalk and a military-themed whiskey flight at Bigfire — plus two bonus treats we’ll reveal later!
Chef Aaron Hiner is the mastermind behind each of these unique entrées, and he says each dish is inspired by well-known military boot camp and training ground locations from around the country. I hope you’re excited for the slew of bites and a smooth whiskey flight that will be yours for the taking all November long!
Fort Bragg Burger – NBC Sports Grill & Brew
We call this one the Fort Bragg Burger because the only thing you’ll want to do after eating it is brag to everyone you know about how amazing it is! Kidding, of course (not about the amazing part, though). Named for the United States Army base Fort Bragg in Fort Liberty, North Carolina, comes the Fort Bragg Burger. Served up at NBC Sports Grill & Brew, this savory delicacy is made of two juicy, 4-ounce smashburgers covered in mouthwatering beef chili, melted American cheese, creamy coleslaw, white onions and mustard — all sandwiched between two fluffy brioche buns. It tastes even better with a side of crispy tater tots or french fries.
Chef Aaron lived in North Carolina himself and says he tried to come up with a dish that felt like a tangible staple to him during his time there. He describes the combination of chili and slaw on this dish as a “very precious style of burger” to him, and it stands as his favorite of the three specials.
Italian Beef Sandwich – Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches
If you’re wondering where the beef is, you’ll find it stuffed inside the Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches exclusive for Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month: the Italian Beef Sandwich. The United States Navy’s largest training station can be found in Great Lakes, Illinois, near Chicago, which inspired Chef Aaron to model this dish after classic Chicago-based cuisine.
Bread Box chefs serve this sandwich on a fresh-baked hoagie roll and stuff it with tender beef brisket, melted provolone cheese and a spicy Giardiniera (Italian relish of pickled vegetables) spread. It comes with a hearty beef jus to dip it in, which I feel really enhances the many flavor combinations occurring between these buns! For your side, I highly recommend getting the house-fried kettle chips; they’re doused in a tingly Sichuan peppercorn and ranch seasoning that couples crisp with zing for a tasty sensation you can’t find just anywhere.
Colorado Springs Loaded Green Chile Fries – Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Spice lovers will meet their maker once they get ahold of this mighty mound. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brings the United States Air Force Academy-inspired delight, Colorado Springs Loaded Green Chile Fries, to the table for Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month. Chef Aaron shares he dug into the different foods of the Colorado Springs region for something that would give an “authentic vibe” to the area and came up with these mind-blowing crispy french fries. Find them covered in succulent braised pork and topped with red onions, spicy green chiles and queso with a drizzle of chipotle aioli and a cilantro garnish. The ingredients in this dish are certainly a mouthful — in more ways than one!
Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey Flight – Bigfire
“Sip, sip, hooray!” is what we’ll be chanting at Bigfire in Universal CityWalk with a celebratory whiskey flight honoring Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month. Head over to the bar to try a flight with military-made whiskey, Horse Soldier Bourbon. Named for the team of Green Berets who were dubbed “Horse Soldiers” during their service in Afghanistan in 2001, this whiskey will be available at Bigfire all November long. With this flight, you’ll try three authentic flavors: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey and Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey.
BONUS: Red, White and Blue & Devil Dog Doughnuts – Voodoo Doughnut Orlando
We can’t go without mentioning this limited time Veterans Day weekend special at Voodoo Doughnut Orlando in Universal CityWalk. What’s a better way to pay tribute and celebrate veterans for their service than with a sweet treat? Voodoo Doughnut brings two sugary delights to enjoy for a limited time this November. The Red, White and Blue Doughnut is a patriotic pastry neatly coated in a tie-dye-like red, white and blue pattern to celebrate Veterans Day, November 11. The United States Marine Corps, nicknamed the “Devil Dogs,” celebrates its birthday annually on November 10, and Voodoo Doughnut is celebrating with a specialty Devil Dog Doughnut. Both are yours to indulge in for a limited time through November 11, 2024.
Which of these celebratory items are you most excited to try during Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month? Let us know in the comments below!
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
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