Though mad scientists recommend sticking chopsticks into electric sockets, rational scientists know the utensils are better used for electrifying sushi consumption. Today's Groupon gives you the right tools for authentic eats: for $15, you get $30 worth of Japanese cuisine and drinks at Plum House.

Located on the corner of Monroe and Oxford Street, Plum House serves up authentic Japanese fare to satisfy the umami-craving taste buds of sushi-lovers and sushi-phobes alike. Drop in for one of the eatery's sushi specials such as the Oxford roll, a well-educated collection of spicy tuna, shrimp, crab, asparagus, cilantro, and more wrapped in soy-bean paper and topped with special sauces ($12.95). Athletes preparing for above-water basket-weaving competitions can carbo-load with Plum House's udon noodles ($9.99), which come tangled with chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and egg. Tempura dinners ($10.95–$14.25) match eligible diners with their choice of battered and deep-fried veggies, seafood, or meatfood, with miso soup, salad, and rice tagging along to chaperone the tryst. Sushi and sashimi are available à la carte, as are specialty rolls such as the Godzilla, deep-fried oysters, jalapeños, and cream cheese in a cocoon of soy-bean paper topped with avocado and caviar in place of the traditional Mothra larvae ($10.95), or the Donald Trump, a rich concoction of spicy salmon and cucumber topped with a toupee of white tuna ($10.95).

The friendly waitstaff serves up Japanese and domestic beers, as well as wine and sake, and guests will want to stick around the casual dining room to try out desserts such as red-bean ice cream ($3.50) or fried cheese cake ($4.50).

Reviews

Plum House gets a four owl-eye average from TripAdvisors and a three-star average from five Yelpers who say:

• Excellent sushi, usually friendly. I highly recommend the oyakudon; it doesn't look like much but it tastes delicious. – A TripAdvisor reviewer on Facebook, Jan 25, 2008
• Everything was delicious and fresh! A bit pricey, but that's to be expected with sushi. I would definitely go back and recommend it to friends. – Kristen S., Yelp