Savouring an Indian meal is a gratifying and invigorating experience, even without competing in cumin gargling contests and naan boat table races. Harness spicy bounties without intimidating fellow diners with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of upscale Indian fare and drinks at 259 Host on Wellington Street West.

Showcasing the riches of an extensive spice cabinet, 259 Host enlivens tongue cocoons with a well-balanced potpourri of meat and vegetarian dishes. The Sethi brothers, together a culinary powerhouse and successful business enterprise, enlist their mother's homemade Indian recipes to entice dinner guests with ambrosial marinades and family-crested afghans. Bib slingers can prime their taste planks with the eclectic flavour profile of tangy chaat ($7), a rice cake cluster garnished with crispy spinach fritters, yogurt, and fresh date chutney, or a produce pearl kabob ($8–$14). 259 Host ingratiates its bold entrees with epicurean palates, plating delicacies such as Australian rack of lamb dressed in a spicy vindaloo sauce ($22), and the spinach and cheese sauté classic, Saag Panir ($13) alongside a vessel of four-year-aged basmati rice that recently shed its training hulls. Table grazers can coat their taste tunnels for sweeter finales with a selection of refined see-through cocktails or a glass of house wine including a California Chardonnay ($9) and an Italian Chianti ($13).

The multilevel eatery indulges midday feasts with its decadent lunch roster including a la carte specialties such as honey mustard coconut shrimp ($13) and jackfruit masala ($11). For an alfresco affair, diners can relish their edibles on 259 Host's 20-person patio or eat off of placemats woven from freshly cut grass blades.