National Cheeseburger Day

National Cheeseburger Day is Tuesday, September 18. Yes, Virginia, there is a National Cheeseburger Day. Here are a few places celebrating the sacred day.

Chicago French Market's Frietkoten is primarily known for its authentic Belgian fries and selection of Belgian beers. However, the recently added menu of gourmet Belgian cheeseburgers, made from beef that is freshly ground daily, is proving that the Belgians know what makes up a great burger, even if no one has any idea what makes a burger "Belgian." Its offering of cheeseburgers include smoked Gouda, blue cheese, and cheddar cheese, and other toppings like sweet grilled onions, apples, and fried egg. All cheeseburgers come with Frietkoten's signature crispy Belgian fries and a dipping sauce.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar's new Bar la Carte menu has the Fleming's Prime Burger, served with Wisconsin cheddar cheese, peppered bacon, and Fleming's Signature Onion Rings. Stop in to enjoy the prime burger on National Cheeseburger Day for $14, or enjoy it for only $6 between 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

River North and Fulton River District's Maxwell's at the Club is open to the public despite its location in the private confines of East Bank Club. Maxwell's Prime Steakburger [pictured, top] will fulfill your National Cheeseburger Day requirement. Made from ten ounces of prime beef, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and, of course, your choice of cheese, it is served with sweet potato fries, fresh-cut fries or seasonal fresh fruit.

Suburbanites can celebrate the day as well. Trademark Tavern offers customers a way to truly indulge in the burger holiday with its "Add a Patty" promotion. Running through September 22, customers can order 1/3 pound cheeseburgers for $3 and stack on as many extra patties as they wish for an additional $1 each. Trademark also has a range of cheeseburgers including its signature Trademark Burger made with a ground chuck and ground short rib combination and topped with aged cheddar, Gruyére, provolone, Gouda, habanero jack, or blue cheese.

Zealous is celebrating 19 years in business this month and as Michael Taus, chef/owner, continues to offer an award winning fine-dining experience to his patrons, he has proven he still knows how to produce a great cheeseburger. Voted Chicago Magazine's "Best Burger Ever" and Travel & Leisure's "Top 10 Burgers in America", Zealous' Z' Burger is a fine dining take on the classic. Served with Havarti cheese and tomato Remoulade on a house-made dill roll and served with fries, even the gourmand can celebrate National Cheeseburger Day.

It would be downright un-American to forego celebrating National Cheeseburger Day.  That goes for you as well, vegans; there are plenty of meatless patty options and soy and cashew cheeses available.  National Cheeseburger Day, September 18.

[All photos courtesy of Kurman Communications, Inc.]