The sudden onset of hunger pains is the leading cause of unfinished novels, canceled duels, and tied soccer matches. Today's deal employs delicious Italian cuisine to cut down on unfinished business: for $15, you get $30 worth of northern Italian cuisine and drinks at Trellis Restaurant in Menlo Park.

Trellis Restaurant centers its menu around Milanese cuisine amid a glowing atmosphere of warm light and elegant simplicity. The appetizer list features a soup del giorno ($4.50 for a cup) and a multitude of salady selections, while pasta dishes swim in tomatoes, basil, and rich cream sauces ($9.95–$19.95). Sate grumbling stomachs with scrumptious tiger prawns sautéed in bordelaise sauce, garlic spinach, and orzo ($18.95) or try a teeth-watering grilled pork tenderloin accompanied by polenta, wild mushrooms, and roasted garlic sauce ($17.50). Enjoy entrees in between sips from the wine list, which includes both red and white domestic and Italian imports. Eaters eat in the Milan-inspired dining room or dine al fresco on the open-air patio, illuminated during the day with sunshine and during the night with moonshine.

Not valid for use on Valentines Day.

Reviews

Trellis Restaurant has a 3.5-star average from Yelpers and a four-star average from five Citysearchers:

• This is one of my family's favorite local restaurants. It is totally family-owned and operated and you can always recognize the same friendly faces any time you go. The inside is nice and cozy but weather-permitting, you should try the upstairs patio - it is very refreshing and Mediterranean. The food is Italian but a little bit greener and with a little bit more diversity. – Alexander M., Yelp
• I came here the other night with my mother and grandmother as kind of a "girls night", and oh man, was this place great. Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the food, or maybe it was our silly waiter; but we had such a good time - no fighting, no disagreements, just plain good girls night out fun. (thats a pretty big accomplishment with three generations of women together) – Rebecca S., Yelp