Turn-of-the-century North America was a simpler time, with high-speed pursuits limited to velocipede chases and the Internet nothing more than a series of ticker-tape machines powered by mutton-chopped, coal-shoveling robots. Venture to the sepia-toned good ol' days via the time machine of your eyes with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of international fare and drinks at The Academy of Spherical Arts. This Groupon cannot be used toward private-room bookings. It expires on Oct. 31, 2010.

Housed in the majestic shell of a former 19th-century billiards manufacturing plant, The Academy of Spherical Arts now serves up a varied menu of international fare. Start supper with an order of the light asparagus salad ($11), topped with toasted walnuts and goat cheese and drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette, before exacting revenge on the swamp ghosts haunting your dreams with an order of Cajun penne pasta ($23), bedecked with grilled chicken, crawfish, chorizo sausage, and peppers. Other elegant and eclectic entrees at the eatery include house-made duck ravioli ($20), a macadamia-crusted rainbow trout ($23) served on a potato-spinach-mayonnaise salad and cloaked in a coconut curry sauce, and a rack of lamb ($38) with a candied-garlic crust. Ante meridiem appetites can be appeased with weekend brunch, while early afternoon Argonauts of sustenance seas can land on lunch.

The Academy boasts a charming, turn-of-the-century club setting, and its three dining rooms come complete with both modern and classic structural elements, as well as antique billiards tables featuring accoutrements such as lion's-claw feet. Spend a Saturday night lingering over a libation from the restaurant's extensive selection of drinks, or take to the billiards table to show off the trick shots you learned at camp as a kid. Call ahead for a reservation.

Reviews

The Academy of Spherical Arts has a four-star average from four OurFaves users and comes recommended by 73 per cent of Urbanspooners. The editors of 10Best.com give it the number-three spot for Toronto nightlife.

• The Academy has an amazing stock of beverages: over 350 wines, 60 grappas, 20 vintage ports, 130 cognacs and over 100 international beers. The food is good, too. – 10Best.com
• If you are looking for a unique place in Liberty Village to have a drink and snack on some amazing tapas this is it! I haven't yet tried it for Brunch or Dinner but if the level of service is anything that we received recently - I can't wait. Friendly, professional....highly recommend it! – Tom Emrich, Urbanspoon
• Super cool space, very nice to go with a group of people – candice, OurFaves