This Michelin-Starred Chef’s Favorite McDonald's Order Isn't Even on the Menu

Plus his other fast food fave.

By
Carissa Chesanek
Carissa Chesanek
Carissa Chesanek is a food and spirits writer with more than 13 years of experience in the industry. She loves researching new trends, chatting with chefs and mixologists about their craft, and creating well-researched and fun copy for her readers.
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Published on July 22, 2024
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When we think of Michelin-starred chefs, we don’t necessarily think of them eating fast food, but many enjoy an occasional trip through the drive-thru, just like us. Chef Tim Hollingsworth from Los Angeles’ Otium (and former chef de cuisine at 3-Michelin-starred The French Laundry) says his favorite order at one of America’s biggest fast food chains isn’t always easy to get.

Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s Favorite McDonald's Order

Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth has teamed up with actor B.J. Novak (“The Office”) for a new show called “Chain Food: All-Star Dishes,” where Hollingsworth reimagines eight popular fast food items, and celebrity guests make appearances. You can stream it on The Roku Channel.

The two chatted with People about their favorite fast food orders to celebrate the new show. Hollingsworth says he enjoys heading to the McDonald's drive-thru to score his customized menu hack, the Caramel McFlurry.

"I love their caramel sundaes," he tells People. "But I'll ask for a Caramel McFlurry, and they'll be like, 'Oh, we don't have that.' I'll be like, 'But you can make it because you have all of the things?' Sometimes it doesn't work, but most of the time it does."

However, when Hollingsworth doesn't necessarily crave something sweet, his go-to fast food chain that never disappoints is Taco Bell. He enjoys getting "Taco Supremes, Nacho BellGrandes with added jalapeños, a Brisk iced tea," and some cinnamon twists for dessert. 

He explains to People, "I don't know really why, but it's one of those places that I've experienced for so many years in my life, and still, it's that guilty pleasure for me of getting home late from work one night and calling up my wife and being like, 'Hey, you down for some Taco Bell?'"

Hollingsworth adds that he would still make a pit stop at this chain even during his 13 years at the iconic French Laundry restaurant. "I didn't eat a ton of fast food during that period," he says, "but I would still eat Taco Bell."

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