Today's side deal transforms another ho-hum taco night into an evening spiked with saffron infusions and mysterious strangers in caressable velvet half-masks: for $10, you get $20 worth of Southern-inspired gastronomic uppercuts and potent left-hook drinks at Brasserie 10 South, a few skips from the inner harbor. This deal is valid for dine-in only. Though it can be used for drinks, you must order a food item with your libation. Like Baltimore itself, the restaurant is closed Mondays.

Housed in the polychromatic former mansion of the Jolly Rancher family, Brasserie 10's food is as tongue-stainingly colorful as any sweet, blue watermelon treat. Keep it local with a starter of hot Maryland crab dip ($10), or hopscotch back and forth over the Mason-Dixon line with each bite of the Southern fried-chicken salad with bacon and honey-Dijon vinaigrette ($10). Other favorites include the vitriol-dampening shrimp and grits with parmesan and herbs ($16) and the barbecue salmon ($15).