ChefKwame Onwuachihas taken the culinary world by storm, from his turn as a fan-favorite contestant and guest judge onBravo'sTop Chefto his inclusion inTime's list of 100 most influential people of 2025. But like others at the top of their game (looking at you,Kamala Harris), the celebrity chef got his start by working atMcDonald's, and he recently returned to the international burger chain to show fast food fans that the restaurant's new menu offering can play with the big kids in upscale dining. On May 24, a mystery-shrouded event was held in Washington, D.C., where attendees were told to wear cocktail attire and to show up with an appetite for a "Chef's Remix" from Onwuachi. As they mingled in the Woodrow Wilson Plaza in front of the Ronald Reagan Building, just blocks from the White House, attendees chatted animatedly, trying to guess what Onwuachi had in store for them. Guests posed in front of a bright yellow step and repeat, sippingcocktailslike the creamy chili margarita and the too sweet 'n sour (a paloma), but even when they sat at high-top tables with red chairs, they didn't catch on that the mystery menu item was fromMcDonald'sdespite the event decor or the cocktails names hinting at popular dipping sauces. Related:McDonald's Fans Celebrate Major Development in Snack Wrap Return Onwuachi bustled around the kitchen with staff, getting the food ready and leaning down towards a large panini grill to hear the sizzle over the excited chatter of attendees as upbeat R&B and throwback hip-hop played through the outdoor space. He greeted the enthusiastic crowd, announcing that he'd be "remixing aMcDonald'sspecialty, McCrispy strips," and sharing that his first job was at the Golden Arches. "It taught me a lot of organization and a lot of structure as a young professional. I carry those ideals with me to this day, the things that I learned atMcDonald's," Onwuachi said before diving into the dish he created based on the McCrispy strips. "I just thought of a sandwich, I like to throw fried chicken in a sandwich, so I thought of a club," Onwuachi explained. He began with brioche bread, spread with a house sauce featuring roasted garlic puree, mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices. Onwuachi's creative vision was on display when he amped up the flavor with braised collard greens cooked with beef bacon for an unctuous flavor. Jerk seasoned-pork bacon was next, followed by another slice of brioche and house sauce. The McCrispy strips then made their appearance with tomato, Swiss cheese, and a final slice of brioche before the sandwich was placed on a hot griddle with butter to toast the bread, and finally topped with a generous dollop of Petrossian caviar. The sandwich was phenomenal, with the buttery soft brioche holding up well to the chicken strips and house sauce. The collard greens were perfectly cooked and packed a punch, while the bacon was heavily spiced in the nuanced fashion Onwuachi is known for. The Swiss cheese and tomato cut through some of the heat, while the briny pops of caviar propelled the sandwich into the flavor stratosphere. Though Onwuachi took aMcDonald'smenu item and brought it into the fine dining space, he's also a fan of the fast food chain's regular fare, tellingParadehe has different orders he rotates between. "Big Mac, fries with a side of nuggets. Sweet and sour and barbecue sauce," make the cut, as well as the fish filet, again with a side of nuggets. Related:10 Best Budget Meals From Fast Food Favorites Like McDonald's, Wendy's, DQ and More Onwuachi got his start at a famously busy McDonald's location in New York City, and when asked what was more difficult, working at the 34th St.McDonald'sor working forTop ChefjudgeTom Colicchioat his restaurant, Craft, he teased with a laugh that they were "equally challenging." Two new restaurants are on the horizon for Onwuachi, Maroon in Las Vegas and Las' Lap Miami in South Beach, and expansion is on his mind. "I would love to go to London. Literally, I've never been, but I just feel like that's the place to be. It's always compared to New York, so I feel like it would work," Onwauchi mused, referencing the strong Afro-Caribbean food scene in the U.K. city. In line with his London aspirations, Onwuachi revealed that if he were to partner with a major franchise for a food collaboration, "it would beHarry Potter." No surprise there, as he has a Deathly Hallows tattoo on his left forearm, but Onwuachi went in for a deep cut when he said that he'd make "a treacle tart," a dessert that's often referenced in the books as Harry's favorite dessert (he even smells it in amortentia, or love potion, which smells differently to each person), but isn't directly mentioned in the films. "I would remix the butterbeer and make it actually delicious and not taste just like butterscotch," Onwuachi continued. "I would just do things that were indicative of what they ate in the Great Hall." If hisMcDonald'sremix is any indication, that treacle tart will be worth a flight to London. Next:I Ate My Way Through Universal Epic Universe, What You Can't Miss From the New 'Harry Potter' World's French Restaurants Kwame Onwuachi Remixes McDonald's McCrispy Strips Into Elevated Farefirst appeared on Parade on May 25, 2025
