Romain Loriot, originally from Montpellier in the south of France, is the founder of ThinkWine, a bar and online wine retailer in Hong Kong. His journey into the world of wine was shaped by his childhood in a family of classical musicians, where his mother taught him to cook not out of a passion for food, but to foster independence. Initially, he dreamed of becoming a pastry chef, but ultimately chose a different path in the wine industry.
Loriot’s culinary career took off when he joined the renowned French chef Alain Ducasse’s team, where he spent eight years learning the craft. The experience gave him the rare opportunity to come to Hong Kong to help launch Rech by Alain Ducasse. After two years of contributing to the success of the restaurant, Loriot made the bold decision to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions and opened his own business, ThinkWine, combining his love for wine and his entrepreneurial spirit.
Outside of his professional life, Loriot’s personal life intertwines with Hong Kong’s culinary scene. His wife, who is Shanghainese, has introduced him to some of the city’s best Chinese restaurants. One of their favorites is Dynasty, located in the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel. Here, they indulge in classic Peking duck and dim sum, which Loriot fondly recommends for its quality. Another standout for Loriot is Megan’s Kitchen, a hotpot restaurant in Wan Chai. He particularly enjoys the restaurant’s unique tomato and crab soup, as well as the soufflé. Hotpot is a family favorite for Loriot, though he admits that he always needs one non-spicy soup base, as he finds the spicier options too intense for his palate.
Loriot’s diverse journey, from his classical music roots to his success in Hong Kong’s wine industry, reflects his passion for both business and gastronomy. Through ThinkWine, he has crafted a platform that showcases his knowledge of wine, while his culinary preferences reveal his appreciation for quality and tradition, whether in French or Chinese cuisine.
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