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.
