For years, Valerie Bertinelli has charmed audiences as the “girl next door.” From her iconic roles in “One Day at a Time” to “Hot in Cleveland,” she’s also found success in the kitchen with her show “Valerie’s Home Cooking” and several cookbooks.
Recently, she joined other celebrities in sharing her favorite fast food pick, sparking curiosity. Would it be something extravagant? A hidden gem from the menu? Surprisingly, it’s quite straightforward.
Bertinelli’s fast food favorite? A Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s. In a 2024 interview, she revealed this simple order comes from fond memories. It was a tradition with her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, after his soccer and baseball games. They made it a point to stop by McDonald’s, with a sweet tip: aiming for the drive-thru between 11 and 11:30 a.m. That’s the golden window right when breakfast transitions to lunch. Bertinelli believes this timing guarantees a fresher sandwich.
“If it’s been sitting under the heater for too long, it’s not good anymore,” she said. But when it’s fresh, it’s “flippin’ heaven.”
The Filet-O-Fish has an interesting history too. Created by an Ohio franchise, it was intended to attract Catholic customers on Fridays during Lent. Even today, about 25% of its sales occur during Lent, making it a seasonal favorite. Yet Bertinelli enjoys it all year round, proving it’s a timeless choice.
Her preference fits into a larger trend: many people gravitate toward simple, comfort food. Social media often buzzes with discussions about fast food favorites. Many users share their own nostalgic stories tied to specific meals, making this connection more than just about the food itself.
In a world full of ever-changing dining choices, Bertinelli’s loyalty to the Filet-O-Fish reminds us that sometimes, simpler is better. So next time you’re hungry for fast food, think about timing—and maybe give that fish sandwich a try. You might just find it as delightful as she does.
For more on the history of fast food and its cultural impact, check out this comprehensive overview.