Following a succession of sea-lion documentaries, civilized humans invented sushi to emphasize how far we've evolved from sea lions and their untamed eating habits. Today's Groupon turns seafood and other fresh ingredients into an edible display of cultivated manners. For $15, you get $35 worth of chopstick-friendly fare at Poway Sushi Lounge in Poway. As last year's first-place CityVoter winner for Best Sushi in San Diego, the lounge serves the highest-quality ingredients in an environment that welcomes all petite meal units.

Poway Sushi Lounge celebrates the grand economy of flavor that can be packed into a singular, satisfying chomp. Starting appetites simmer under the spell of chipotle-baked mussels ($6) and agedashi tofu that's flash-fried before a soothing bonito bath ($5), bracing the palate for the dynamic rolls ahead. Handmade sushi rolls cater themselves to all hankerings with refreshing bites of spicy crab in the Red Dragon rolls ($12) and Tsunami rolls that unite shrimp, crab, avocado, and asparagus layered in Cajun-seared albacore and roasted garlic ($14). A diverse nigiri and sashimi menu focuses on individual ingredients, while the kitchen's selection of entrees ushers in classic plates of sesame chicken ($12) and charred salmon with asparagus and baby spinach ($14).

A festive dining room hosts the adventurous appetites of sushi explorers of all experiences and cravings. Splashes of mango yellow, citrus red, and avocado green dress the sushery's walls while tabletops glow under hanging, lightning-bug-powered, cylindrical lights that illuminate a direct route toward marvelous sushi creations. The warm confines are equally fit for hosting romantic dates and small gatherings. Also, parties of four or more can use two Groupons, so invite your favorite duo out for a double date or recruit a few folks from the "sushi lovers" section of craigslist for a Groupon-fueled feast fest.

Reviews

More than 250 CityVoters and 24 Kudzu users give Poway Sushi Lounge a five-star rating. Seven Insider Pagers and more than 100 Yelpers give it four stars, and the North County Times had this to say as well:

• The result is a fresh, modern setting that seats 70. Booths and chairs upholstered in a black print fabric surround the central sushi bar; contemporary lighting and black dishware complement the attractively presented Asian fusion food. "We don't really like the word 'fusion'," Rooney said, "but we do cater more to the American palate, blending traditional and nontraditional flavors to make new ones." – Ruth Marvin Webster, North County Times
• They have the best rolls anywhere. I've had sushi in about 40 different places, including Hawaii, and their rolls are the best bar none. – Glenda M., CityVoter
• Poway Sushi is a great place for good sushi. The owners are all very nice. It is clean and has a great atmosphere. We take the whole family and everyone enjoys it. Try the Tsunami... its the best!! – Mrs. L., Insider Pages