You might be forgiven for thinking Bourbon Steak is a strange title for an upmarket restaurant, but then you’d just be confusing part of its name with those well-known Peek Freans biscuits, which took their cue from a former French and Spanish royal house.*
For regular aficionados of American culture, though, the name Bourbon means only one thing – good US-made whisky. Now, when you put it together with fine dining, the result is a supreme new exercise in restaurant enjoyment at the heart of the Walt Disney World Swan resort next to the EPCOT park.
Here’s what they say:
“Bourbon Steak began its journey in the rich culinary landscape of California, setting the stage for what would become a nationwide symbol of culinary excellence and innovation in steakhouse dining. Over the years, under award-winning chef Michael Mina’s expert direction, we have expanded our presence, bringing the quintessential steakhouse experience to prime locations across the United States. From the bustling streets of Washington DC to the sun-kissed shores of Miami, each Bourbon Steak location is carefully chosen to offer guests a unique and memorable dining experience.”
Now, fans of the TV programmes Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef will immediately note the Mina name as one of distinction, and they would be absolutely right. Mina has been tantalising tastebuds in inimitable style for more than 30 years, with trailblazing, Michelin-starred restaurants in the likes of Las Vegas, San Francisco and Dubai. He created the first Bourbon Steak venue in New York in 2024 and has since added another 10 of this scintillating brand.
The Orlando version is the third in Florida after Miami and Delray Beach but the first in the heart of the Sunshine State, and it occupies a prime position in the eye-catching Swan-Dolphin mega resort, which now features no fewer than 21 dining venues and lounges through its extensive acres.
Just as importantly, it takes the space previously occupied by Shula’s Steakhouse, a high-class restaurant in its own right and arguably the best steakhouse on Disney property for the past 26 years, hence the reputation for outstanding steaks and chops will continue, but in an entirely new style. Gone is the American football memorabilia of Shula’s, to be replaced by a more contemporary and imaginative look, with elegant hues, amusing accents and contemporary lighting to add to the opulent effect of the mind-boggling wine “cave.”
Included in that innovatory style is the menu. Oh, that menu! Because, while it definitely still upholds the marvelous meat-based nature of its title, Bourbon also adds globally-inspired seafood choices and decadent side dishes, which are practically worth coming in for on their own.
We were invited to the recent grand opening of this slick newcomer, featuring a ribbon-cutting event with Mina himself, and were bowled over by the range of flavours on offer, and especially several fish dishes. Yes, the Slow Roasted Prime Rib (with blue cheese popover and fresh horseradish and black truffle au jus) was a superior succulent success, and, certainly, the Wagyu SRF Ribeye Cap was a taste phenomenon, but the seafood definitely grabbed our attention – and palates – just as much, with its other-worldly deliciousness.
First, we sampled Michael’s Tuna Tartare, which will be prepared tableside during regular hours (5-11pm daily), but for our event was presented in small, pre-plated samples that simply begged for seconds (if not thirds). The mix of quail egg, pine nut, mint, Asian pear, garlic, chili peppers and habanero-sesame oil with the fresh tuna was a total epicurean delight, ditto for the melt-in-the-mouth Scallops, and we will be back in future for the Maine Lobster Pot Pie, as it sounds simply unmissable.
But the dish we zeroed in on most – or, at least, Simon did! – was the Miso Broiled Sea Bass, which came with baby squash and shishito peppers paddling in a delicate ginger dashi (a Japanese soup stock infused with ginger). This was nothing short of sheer menu magnificence, a rich and perfectly-cooked fish dish the likes of which we have not tasted before. This induced great moans of gastronomic delight from Simon, as he unashamedly went back for thirds. And fourths.
And then there were the drinks, with a luscious array of cocktails and a wine list that offers a global journey through Old and New World vineyards in a superbly varied collection (and eye-popping style). The cocktail list is an absolute triumph of classic refinement and contemporary creativity, featuring rare bourbons (naturally), single-barrel selections and inventive creations like the yuzu-and-peach accented Fruit Ninja and alcohol-free Fairweather Friend, a concoction of Lyre’s London Spirit (a non-alcoholic gin), lime almond orgeat, cucumber and Fever-Tree seltzer. For an unleaded drink – ideal for drivers – this was a very pleasant surprise.
We also sampled the outstanding Ring of Fire, an ultra-modern mix of hand-crafted Ilegal mezcal, Aperol, lime, pineapple and ginger Aleppo. This takes the idea of a classic Old Fashioned and runs with it, all the way to a sun-kissed beach somewhere in the Caribbean (or, at least, that’s the taste sensation!). Simon would even forego his usual classic Martini for this one.
Just one note, which is probably obvious to most readers. This is not a cheap dining experience. The meat dishes run from $58 (the Prime Rib) to $105 (the 22oz Dry Aged Cowboy Ribeye) while even the fish options are in the $41-$82 range. Side dishes, including grilled asparagus and jalapeno creamed corn range from $15-$17, and desserts from $14-$19. Did we mention the desserts? Our bad. These are another major highlight and, if you turn down the chance to sample the Chocolate Bar house speciality, you will be missing another major treat, which comes layered with peanut butter crunch, chewy brownie and caramel mousse. But, in all honesty, each of the five offerings are just outstanding.
Oh, and everything is preceded by the restaurant’s signature duck fat fries, a presentation of three types of fat, flavoured fries with three individual dipping sauces that take the place of the usual bread service. Definitely one for the “Unique” collection.
So, if you’re looking for that somewhere special for a particular occasion or an upscale date night, Bourbon Steak could well be your new favourite Florida delectation. Look up more on this link.
* Fun facts – the original 1930s Peek Freans Bourbon creams were named after the 16th century royal House of Bourbon, who still have monarchs in Spain and Luxembourg. Whisky-makers in Kentucky snagged the Bourbon name for the historic county in the state of Kentucky in the 1870s, and the American-made brand of whisky – produced in great quantities in that part of the state – became known as Bourbon as a result of its production in the heart of Kentucky.
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