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 proved by today's Groupon: for $7, you get $14 worth of Mexican fare and drinks at Qdoba Mexican Grill, valid at two locations in Modesto and one in Turlock.

Qdoba Mexican Grill catalyzes culinary creativity through an all-you-can-choose buffet of fresh ingredients ready to be stuffed into tortillas and taco shells by a superspeedy staff of meal wizards. Patrons pick a protein such as grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef, or pulled pork before piling on cilantro-lime rice, slow-cooked black or pinto beans, and a choice of five salsas to yield DIY burritos ($5.49–$6.49), tacos ($5.79–$6.49 for three) and more. Diners can avoid the stress of decision-making or déjà vu of choose-your-own-adventure novels past by taking a pop at one of Qdoba's five signature dishes such as the chicken-crowded ancho-chili barbecue burrito, whose all-natural fowl hog-steps and hoofs it up with mole-inspired barbecue sauce ($5.99). Alternatively, sip on the Mexican gumbo ($5.79–$7.29), a medley of rice and beans doused in tortilla soup and topped with fresh salsa, cheese, sour cream, and house-made tortilla chips that pack in more crunch than an ab workout designed by Snap, Crackle, and Pop.