When Aeneas left Greece to help found Rome, he chose to cross the Mediterranean Sea due to its bounty of delicious seafood, and also because alternate routes were blocked by clusters of sunbathing mermaids. Point compasses toward tasty Mediterranean fare with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of Lebanese cuisine and drinks at The Gate to the Mediterranean in Encino.

The Gate to the Mediterranean's culinary crafters transform a cache of ingredients into a variety of authentic Lebanese dishes. Patrons can prep taste buds for larger fare with traditional appetizers, such as hummus ($5.50) or arayes, a blend of minced beef, tomatoes, parsley, onion, and spices grilled inside a pita ($5.50). An entree of lamb shish kebab impales the senses ($14.95), and a specialty beef shawarma woos meat-loving stomachs ($10.99). Seafaring folk can unhinge jaws to enjoy a plate of Lebanese-style red-mullet snapper ($29.95), or as preparation for making faces at passing submarines on long, otherwise uninteresting rides home.

Thick, ornate beams crisscross under the high, angled ceiling inside The Gate to the Mediterranean, where yellow chandeliers illuminate exposed-brick walls. The eatery also features a stage where live bands perform on weekends and a full bar where conversationalists compete in action-packed word-offs. A trip to the hookah lounge provides cozy seating and a variety of flavors to idly puff.