Once mastered, chopsticks are the most manageable eating utensils, unlike forks, which get mangled in the dishwasher, or fingers, which get lost in the mouths of teething sock puppets. Eat easily with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of sushi, Japanese entrees, and beverages at Sushi Yama in Escondido.

Blending time-tested tradition with forward-looking culinary creativity, the chefs at Sushi Yama unfurl a multifaceted menu of sashimi, specialty sushi rolls, and hot Japanese entrees. Pepper-crusted ahi sashimi and avocado ($14) lounge in wait, and the Chapulin roll ($12) wraps a tight package of spicy crab, avocado, and grilled shrimp, and, like last year’s birthday present from a confused aunt, tops it with lime, yellowtail, and habanero. Born on a palanquin of asparagus spears and sushi rice, the Yama grilled salmon luxuriates in a secret blend of spices ($13), and the mix tempura platter mingles deep-fried shrimp and veggies with an entourage of rice and salad ($12). Frosty Japanese beer and hot sake ($4–$6) ensure precise temperature regulation for any mouth.