Culinary Connectors is hosting the first-ever Toques & ‘Tails competition on Thursday, May 23. Held at Casselman’s Bar & Venue in RhiNo, the event serves to highlight local chefs and bartenders with a series of competitive rounds of food and cocktail pairings. Several out of town food and drink celebs will be on the judging panel, including Boston's Jaimie Bissonnette (Coppa) and Jackson Cannon (Eastern Standard), NYC's Elayne Duff (Diageo) and Tal Nadari (Lucas Bols) and even Matty Durgin all the way from Hawaii (Tiki Iniki).

Eight restaurants get the chance to compete, including Old Major, Trillium, TAG, Central Bistro & Bar, Corner House, The Corner Office, Colt & Gray and Le Grand Bistro. The first round is dedicated to classics, the second to pairing skills. In addition to the main categories of winners, there's also a People Choice award, which you get to vote on if you go.

Your $45 ticket brings you tastes of all the dishes and cocktails they prepare from 7–9 PM, plus the opportunity to meet all the talent at the event. Spring for the $95 VIP pass to get in an hour early at 6 PM and gain access to the VIP premium spirits lounge. Best of all, you don't have to worry about drinking and  driving — with each ticket you'll receive a $20 voucher to Uber for a safe ride home.