A tortilla makes a handy mouse pad, an acceptable patch for stiff denim jeans, and, if you draw a face on it, an ideal companion on fishing trips. But there are many other uses for it, as today's Groupon proves: for $6, you get $12 worth of quick, tasty, south-of-the-border fare from Qdoba Mexican Grill with locations in Cordova and Southaven.

As with rainbows, nations, and Model T's, burritos contain a rag-tag team of savories that are more robust combined than apart. Qdoba embraces Henry Ford's innovative ideas with an all-you-can-choose buffet of fresh ingredients ready to be stuffed into burritos, tacos, and more through a superfast assembly line of professionals. Choose the protein packer of your choice from pulled pork, adobo-marinated steak or chicken, and shredded or ground beef, or opt out of the meats and head straight to the beans. Simmer over the option of cumin-simmered black or pinto beans before you top your treat with any of five unique salsas and four original sauces. Taste the gooey flavor accents of the signature queso sauce (a three-cheese blend with roasted poblanos, tomatoes, and jalapeños, or try a smoky poblano pesto made with roasted peppers, cilantro, and nuts with creamy, hand-smashed guacamole.

If you don't want to build your own, try Qdoba's signature burritos, which include the fajita-ranchera burrito with chicken, grilled onions, red peppers, and a piquant ranchera sauce ($7.09), and the grilled-veggie burrito with zucchini, yellow squash, and red peppers sautéed in a garlic-herb seasoning ($6.19). Order a bowl of spicy tortilla soup with diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro ($3.69) or a tower of nachos topped with pork, cheese, beans, sour cream, and salsa ($6.89).

If you're tired of tedious and disappointing brown-bag lunches, today's Groupon is a great way to spice up your lunch life. With complex, all-natural flavors, Qdoba fuses traditional Mexican cuisine with inventive new recipes in a speedy, conveniently delicious tortilla present. Buy one for yourself and two as gifts for woefully quesadilla-less friends.

Reviews

Though reviews are still growing for Qdoba's Southaven location, three Yelpers give the Cordova location a 3.5-star average and 84% of Urbanspooners recommend it. More than 81,000 Facebookers are fans nationwide.

• Q'Doba is a great alternative to fast food chains -- the selections are healthier, you can build your burrito to your liking, and they're huuuge. Reasonable price, fresh ingredients, quick, clean little restaurant. I've always had a good experience in the past. – Noelle V., Yelp, 4/9/2010
• The food is always fresh, and the staff is very good and quick. Easy to eat in or take to go, and despite the fact they're busy, there's always a clean table and the food comes out hot and fast. – Sarah, Urbanspoon