On Sunday, June 26, I dropped in on two of three partners of The Social Bar and Grill, Jason Bailey and Rodel Borromeo. Though still in full remodel mode, they gave me a quick tour of the soon-to-open noshing and drinking spot on the Foss Waterway, describing the layout as open, communal and airy. The bar at Social will be separated from the dining areas to allow even those under 21 to enjoy the mash-up of global cuisine.

An overview of the dinner menu currently posted on Facebook implies less formal dining. The rules of course-by-course appetizer, soup/salad, entrée, dessert do not apply. Steak or pork and pineapple tacos, fried calamari, ahi poke, tempura cod, chicken wings adobo, satays, clams and chorizo will all be featured in smaller portion plates called "Shareable." Priced like starters ($7-$10), patrons can order a few and, well, share them. Heartier plates, dubbed "Substantials," will include an oyster poorboy or pork belly sandwich, grilled swordfish, braised duck, New York steak and pasta carbonara ($7-$18). Sweet pea and mint salad? Yes, please. The wide range of food encourages branching out, and kid-friendly foods were not forgotten.

Social will feature limited evening dining Wednesday through Saturday starting July 20. Lunch service begins around August 1 when hours will be extended to 11 a.m. until midnight.

[The Social Bar and Grill, scheduled to open July 20, 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 206.226.3361]