Many Greek myths follow the same plot arc—character does something stupid, character dies in lesson-teaching manner. The Grecian myth surrounding today's deal is the exact opposite—character does something smart, character builds successful, lesson-teaching meals. Sample mythological goodness by biting into today's Groupon: for $15, you get $35 worth of Athenian eats at Blu Greek Taverna. This Marietta Square eatery has picked up a number of local accolades for its authentic flavors, including Best New Restaurant from Cobb Life magazine in 2007.

Blu Greek Taverna imports many of its ingredients straight from Greece, instantly transporting the stomachs of diners to this Mediterranean mainstay. Plant a meal seed with an appetizer like the feta and olive plate ($6) or the loukaniko, imported Cyprus sausage links filled with beef and marinated in homemade wine sauce ($7). Move on to a stacked stick kebab ($12–$15) like the vegetarian-friendly vegan souvlaki with eggplant, green pepper, tomato, zucchini, onions, and squash pieces marinated in Ladolemono ($12). House specialties include lamb youvetsi (lamb tenderloin cubes slow-stewed in tomato sauce, $19) or grilled xifias (marinated swordfish filet, $21). Blu Greek also offers a kids menu and a notable wine list for grown-ups.

The white and blue exterior beckons ancient islanders and modern-day foodies to the Grecian sanctuary. Blu Greek Taverna's regional décor conjures the many-island nation with rustic stucco and a mounted Pegasus, and on certain nights, diners are treated to performances of live music and belly dancing. The cozy seating area makes for a quaint date night or a wondrous familial escape to the mythological belly of the beast.

Reviews

The Atlanta Journal Constitution highlights Blu Greek Taverna's cuisine:

• The menu introduces diners to Greek dishes and explains them in parenthesized English, so you can order the eggplant spread instead of the melitzanosalata. Start off with hand-rolled beef meatballs (keftedes) or halloumi, a Cyprian goat cheese that's flambéed in vodka at your tableside. The traditional spanakopita is layers of pastry dough stuffed with feta and spinach. The smelts are lightly battered and fried in sunflower oil. – H. M. Cauley

Gayot loves Blu Greek Taverna's house-made yogurt and other Greek specialties:

• House-made yogurt based on organic skim milk forms the foundation for the tzatziki and the outstanding dessert yaourt me meli, topped with gorgeous honey. The legacy of everything culinary from this many-island nation shows in the grilled octopus and the imported Cyprus sausage (loukaniko) served atop mixed greens. The portions are large enough to be shared, or to constitute a small main dish. Watch for specials, such as a skewered pork dish with home-style fried potatoes. Moussaka comes in both beef and vegetarian forms, and fish is a focus, as one might expect. But vegetarians, even vegans, will love the sides, such as horta (sautéed kale with garlic) and rizzi (a rice dish). – Gayot

Citysearchers give it four stars, and 67% of Urbanspooners like it:

• We dined here recently for lunch and were quite pleased with it. The food was well seasoned, and a delight to taste and sight. Much more of an upscale dining experience than we expected. – NYChris, Urbanspoon