At Blue Table, the Calabasas café with a cheese closet and communal blue table that Ellen Marcione launched in 2004, only one sandwich bears her name: Ellen’s Special. The sandwich ($9.99) layers sliced turkey and ham with tangy goat cheese, sweet fig jam and punchy garlic aioli on a choice of pressed ciabatta, wheat ciabatta or baguette. On the side you’ll receive a judiciously dressed mixed green and cucumber salad.

According to one employee, Ellen actually prefers the roast beef sandwich. But this delectable grilled sandwich—touted as a healthier play on the egg-battered, deep-fried ham-and-cheese sandwich “Monte Cristo”—is destination-worthy. This sandwich may not be the owner’s first choice, but it’s certainly mine.

4774 Park Granada, Calabasas, 818-222-5195