Most modern cuisine is a continuation of classic dishes, just as a computer is a slightly modified typewriter and a washing machine is a river in a box. Revel in palatable progress with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of upscale bistro fare and drinks at Chives Canadian Bistro.

Deemed Best of Halifax by AOL Travel, Chives Canadian Bistro assembles an eclectic menu of international flavours. Culinary virtuoso Craig Flinn enlists the fruits of local farmers to inspire his epicurean ensembles and construct eco-friendly pumpkin carriages. Treat deserving esophagi to PEI braised beef short ribs nestled on a bed of ricotta ravioli and buttermilk onion-ring pillows ($27) or indulge in a gluten-free fillet of pan-seared Nova Scotia sea bass flanked by caramelized scallops and a cold-water-shrimp cake. The squash, lentil, and chickpea strudel swaddles veggies and legumes in puff pastry and dives into a lagoon of lemongrass curry sauce ($23). While diners discuss the varietals of their recommended wine pairings ($7.25+/glass), they can hunt for Chives' famous buttermilk biscuits on french banquet tables or trace hand-turkeys on black chalkboard menus.

The dining room emulates the natural elements of water, wood, rock, and sand to evoke an organic and rustic flair. Passersby can feast eyes on the knife skills and baguette-jousting matches of the Chives kitchen troupe as it regales viewers with live broadcasts of its slicing and dicing.