Chef
Joan McNamara
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Los Angeles, California, United States
i. Biography
Joan McNamara has run Joan’s on Third in Los Angeles, California, United States since founding the business in 1995, with the work set by a simple brief: home cooking, pushed a notch higher. The menu language is direct and familiar, and the dishes tied to her name — Chinese chicken salad, BLT sandwich, and short-rib grilled cheeses — read like standard crowd-pleasers handled with enough discipline to carry a place.
At a Glance - Current role: President. - Founder since 1995. - Craft style: home cooking stepped up a notch. - Specialties: Chinese chicken salad; BLT sandwich. - In her words: "Cooking was as natural as breathing." - Her working outlook is direct: "Living is my inspiration. We’re always trying something new."
Signature
Joan's signature dishes include BLT sandwich, Chinese chicken salad, and short-rib grilled cheeses.
In Their Words “Living is my inspiration. We’re always trying something new.” “Cooking was as natural as breathing.”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Joan
What is Joan McNamara's current role?
As of 2026, Joan McNamara is President.
What is Joan McNamara known for?
Chinese chicken salad.
