Today’s side deal tells a gourmet tale of two cities: for $25, you get admission to the Taste of the Twin Cities Originals ($45 value). The strolling food and wine event heats up at International Market Square on Thursday, July 22 from 6–9 p.m.

The Twin Cities Originals are a coalition of locally owned and operated restaurants with a shared mission of preserving and promoting the distinctive experience of dining at individually owned eateries. This year’s event will give you unlimited access to the gourmet goodies of 20 local restaurants. As you graze among Woolley’s Steakhouse, Great Waters Brewing Co., and Azia Restaurant, you’ll get bottomless beer and wine tastings throughout the event to wash down the wonderful wares. You’ll also witness first-hand the “Restaurant Olympics,” where local celebrity judges will rank area bartenders and chefs as they go head-to-head in a Chairman Kaga-free battle for culinary domination. TCO will also play host to a wine raffle ($10 per ticket) that will award two thirsty people 30 bottles of wine. So take a stand against chain restaurants and support local, independently owned restaurateurs, or gift a Groupon to a food-obsessed friend and treat them to a fun night on two towns.