NY Times Crossword
August 5, 2018
Alison Ohringer and Erik Agard
(Title shown below)

The answer to each clue below is a two-word phrase in which the first and second words have the same, unusual relationship. Can you determine what it is?

1. Vital sign
2. Talkative sort
3. Caterer's platter
4. Way to determine the best flavor
5. What a phone call to your neighbor would be
6. Watering holes for high-ranking military officers

Answers:

1. HEART RATE
2. CHATTY CATHY
3. PARTY TRAY
4. TASTE TEST
5. LOCAL CALL
6. BRASS BARS

How the answers are related:

Dropping a single letter from the first word of each answer and then anagramming the remaining letters of the first word, gives the second word.

Puzzle Title:
GHOSTED (or LOST IN THE SHUFFLE)