Chrissy Teigen knows her way around the kitchen. In addition to being the author of two cookbooks, she recently co-hosted “Chrissy & Dave Dine Out,” a Freeform series that takes a look at the Los Angeles restaurant scene, alongside celebrity chef Dave Chang and “Fire Island” star Joel Kim Booster.

Teigen’s latest foodie job is being named an advisor and investor in ChainFest, actor and author BJ Novak and Michelin chef Tim Hollingsworth’s food festival that celebrates fast food and fast-casual restaurant chains. ChainFest, which began with a pop-up event in Los Angeles in 2021, sees Hollingsworth reimagining fast-food favorites with gourmet twists.

“Tim made a Wagyu Big Mac that was still served in the box that we love so much,” Teigen says. “He does it in such a special and unique way, but it still reminds you of the food you had as a kid.”

ChainFest debuts in New York City on September 21 and returns to Los Angeles on October 5.

Here Teigen talks about fast food, favorite dishes and her dream of opening a bed and breakfast.

If you could only eat at one fast food chain for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

I’ve been thinking about Panda Express lately because I just came back from their test kitchens. I’ve been blown away by the new things they’re developing. It’s really hard because I love White Castle but I’m never near them. If I’m near a restaurant, I go all White Castle. I love the chicken fried steak at Cracker Barrel. There are so many. If there was one, I’d have to say Red Lobster.

Do your children eat at chain restaurants?

Absolutely. Everyone loves Panda Express. On Sunday nights, John (husband John Legend) and I make McDonald’s Happy Meals for the kids. (Son) Miles gets his chicken nuggets. (Daughter) Luna gets her plain hamburger. I feel like it’s a rite of passage when you become an adult. I know we should be really thinking about what goes into our bodies all the time, but I believe there’s a special balance.

What food do you like least?

That’s a good question. I like strong, bold flavors, so I don’t like really simple, clean foods. But there are things that are a bit of a turn-off for me, like beets and capers, but when I’m pregnant I love them.

Have you ever thought about opening your own restaurant?

No, never. I recently watched Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares. I grew up watching that show. I grew up watching Gordon yell at people. I used to think it looked so easy and fun, but now that I’m in the business, I know the stress. I would love to open a bed and breakfast, though. That’s my ultimate dream. I’d love to have a four- to six-room inn. Full meals downstairs in the kitchen where everyone eats together. Maybe in Connecticut or in Napa or Ojai.

What was the best meal you have ever eaten?

The oysters and pearls at the French Laundry. We just looked at the menu because our whole family is going there next weekend. It’s the best meal I’ve ever had from start to finish. Also n/naka. You might have seen it on Chef’s Table. It’s an insane, incredible experience. And then another favorite meal I’ve had was at Yangban. Those are my three favorite places.

Before we conclude, I wanted to ask you about John’s recent comments that your daughter Luna sees herself in Kamala Harris.

We were glued to the TV (on the last night of the Democratic National Convention). It was so incredible to see this woman who is so successful, so high and so excited, especially for our daughter. I was so scared to see John perform on Wednesday and not be there last night because I was tied to Los Angeles for work, but to sit at home and watch it with my kids is next level.

Tickets for ChainFest are available at chainfest.com.

These questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.