Around Town: The Tipsy Pig

Melding inspiration drawn from the classic English pub and rustic New American gastronomy, Marina newcomer The Tipsy Pig (2231 Chestnut at Pierce) aims for the best of all possible worlds: a gourmet, artisan menu with handcrafted cocktails, yet a spot cozy enough to be a neighborhood hangout with a "living room" and "library." Perhaps the most radical twist: It's kid-friendly, with a special menu for hungry little piglets. "We want to be a second home for people," co-owner Nate Valentine says. "When I see people with families in there, I couldn't be happier. The food is very seasonal and simple and clean. We'll be using a lot of current seasonal farm produce to create simple, fresh American dishes. We're not trying to re-create or overcomplicate things. We just want to highlight what's already there."

Valentine's favorite dish is the Tipsy Sliders ($12), Chimay-braised pulled pork and red cabbage slaw on Hawaiian sweet buns. Notable drinks include the Drakes Woodworm ($10), comprising Le Tourment Vert absinthe, St. Germain, lemon, gomme, bitters, and ginger beer; and a soon-to-be custom beer, Tipsy Pig Brew, which should go down nice and smooth if you're sitting in one of 50 seats on the garden-enclosed patio. Sigh. Now if only the place weren't in the Marina. Kidding! Check out the full menu and make reservations at www.thetipsypigsf.com.