Archestratus, the first food critic, praised Italian cuisine's use of "top-quality and seasonal" ingredients and "fair-to-middling" ability to tranquilize out-of-control mayors. Come to your own conclusions with today's Groupon: for $7, you get $15 worth of southern Italian lunch fare and drinks at al Vento Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday.

Head chef and owner Jonathan Hunt changes al Vento Restaurant's menu daily, dreaming up seasonal dishes to showcase the many facets of southern Italian cuisine. Bubbling pizzas rouse palates from morning stamp-licking circles with crispy crusts and toppings such as fresh basil and tomato ($9.75) or juicy fennel sausage with herbed goat cheese ($11). Pasta dishes harness summer's rampant produce for plated tours of the countryside fueled by fettuccine mixed with asparagus, english peas, and cherry tomatoes ($14). Cooks complement tender chicken breast with italian pork sausage and velvety spinach risotto ($16.75) as knowledgeable servers help guests crown meals with jewel-toned beverages ($6−$10) from the wine and drink lists. Desserts, such as creamy, frozen pistachio custard with chocolate shavings ($6), soothe excited taste buds and cool heated arguments between spaghetti-Western cowboys.

Glowing sconces and tea candles fill the dining room with warm light, illuminating tan walls, white tablecloths, and hidden birthmarks tattooed in invisible ink. Savor a meal to the rustic soundtrack of rustling leaves and soft breezes in the shade of a wide umbrella on the outdoor patio.