Affectionately known as “the Kissing Chef,” Nick Ronan has been greeting his patrons with a friendly “Welcome home" since Bisou Bistronomy opened in 2010. 

Serving up French cuisine with a Californian accent, Bisou (French for "kiss"), focuses on organic, locally-grown products and a casual environment. This week, Chef Ronan is expanding his smooch-themed eateries with his second restaurant, Beso (Spanish for "kiss"), which will feature Catalan style hot and cold tapas, an extensive charcuterie and a la carte Spanish cheese selection, and a variety of Spanish wines and craft cocktails to enjoy.

As if that weren’t enough, Chef Ronan just released his first book, and formed a new relationship with Napa Kitchen Garden in the Alexander Valley where Beso and Bisou source all of their produce and are creating a Culinary Center program that will offer a “day of play” for guests where they create dishes alongside Chef Ronan with ingredients selected from the Napa Kitchen Garden.

We caught up with the busy chef to ask him seven essential questions about his life in San Francisco. 

1. What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?  

I currently live in Ocean Beach, but I’m thinking of moving back to Potrero. 

2. What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?

The Smoked Trout, Quinoa, Maitake Mushrooms, Pickled Cherries, Almonds, and Sesame dinner dish from NOPA. I could eat it every day.

3. What's your perfect night on the town?

I would start a cocktail at The Range, followed by dinner at Commonwealth then a peaceful walk on Valencia toward the Castro for a last cocktail at Bisou bistronomy.

4. When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time

Palo Alto pool for an hour or two of laps and pizza at Doppio Zero in Mountain View. 

5. What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?

Calistoga Spa

6. Quick-fire round

Burrito or Burger: Burger

Presidio or Golden Gate Park: Golden Gate Park

BiRite or Mitchell's: BiRite

Bike or MUNI: Bike

Fort Mason or Dolores Park: Dolores Park

The Independent or the Fillmore: The Independent

Baker Beach or Ocean Beach: Baker Beach

 7. Three words that describe your life in SF?

 Creative, energetic, love story.