WHY Wonderful sandwiches (turkey meatloaf, pressed chicken, bacon and brie), lots of prepared salads (the lentil is particularly good), elegant cheese and charcuterie platters and famed cupcakes.

WHAT Originally a caterer, Joan McNamara gradually expanded her business into a café, gourmet market and upscale takeout operation, and each facet has met with tremendous success. From the picnic baskets to the the office lunches to the daily takeout dinner entrées, Joan’s food is uniformly excellent. Note that service on the café side can be erratic at busy times.

WHO Chic women picking up a few things for a dinner party, and friends meeting for lunch, including a fair number of famous folks.