Like a gentle dragon or the earth itself, falafel's rough exterior belies its inner warmth. Crunch through outer shells with today's Groupon: for $7, you get $15 worth of Mediterranean fare at Briar Mart. This Groupon is only valid in the café.

Briar Mart’s menu draws influence from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes, presenting a smattering of exotic flavors. Culinary craftsmen arrange a triumvirate of vegetarian eats including dolma, hummus, and greek salad ($6.99) into a succulently proportioned golden triangle. Crisp falafel patties or slivers of chicken, lamb, or halal-beef gyro meat furl into a grilled pita alongside onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce ($6.49 with fries and a drink), and wooden skewers pluck morsels of beef or chicken ($7.95) from a fiery grill like a game of open-air KerPlunk. Though its wares are not included in the Groupon, Briar Mart's international market carries coffees, chocolates, and cheeses imported from the Mediterranean region.