In order to foster harmony among their international dishes, chefs must monitor starch-sugar conversion rates, lower herb tariffs, and break up disputes over limited gravy reserves. Practice culinary diplomacy with today's Groupon to The Common. Choose between the following options:

• For $10, you get $20 worth of contemporary fare and drinks, plus cover admission for two (up to a $5 value each; a $30 total value).
• For $29, you get a VIP admission package for four, including cover charges (up to a $5 value each), a bottle of sparkling wine (a $40 value), and house popcorn (a $6 value; up to a $66 total value).
  
  

The Common seeks to enliven clients with local DJ craft, electronic music, and an eclectic assembly of international fare and drinks. Diners peruse snacks, small plates, and entrees, sating small appetites with eats such as hand-popped popcorn tossed in truffle butter ($6). Nachos meet mouths bearing bounties of grilled seasonal vegetables, blended cheeses, salsa verde ($14), and optional pulled pork ($3+), and chefs experiment with culinary aerodynamics as they toss flatbreads with smoked salmon and cream cheese ($12) and plates of miniature meatloaf sliders bearing aged cheddar and house-made barbecue sauce ($11). An array of pours such as draft pints, brew bottles, refined wines, and house cocktails enable patron stomachs to test out newly purchased bendy-straw glasses.

With today's second option, four VIP attendees gather at a private table tailored to their party size to imbibe a shared bottle of sparkling wine, snack on hand-popped popcorn, and role-play as the compass rose. Listen as local DJs deliver the government-recommend amount of ear nutrition during weekly and monthly scheduled events ranging from Friday- and Saturday-night sets to iPod battles and occasional "Thursday Hip Hop Karaoke." The Common cradles its patrons atop colourful throw pillows in long leather benches or booths within an intimate, elongated sitting area, whose blank walls bear monthly exhibits and belated Christmas cards from local visual artists.