With a background in food art projects, Hong Kong-based chocolate maker Ryan Foote aims to infuse his creations with local personality. Photo Credit: RL Foote
Hong Kong is known for many things, but chocolate making is not one
of them – although that could be set to change if Ryan Foote has his way
around it.
The installation artist, chef and food designer first founded the
Melbourne-based RL Foote Design Studio to manufacture custom ceramic
flatware and interior design objects for specialised events and the
hospitality sector, and in 2021 used the workshop as a springboard for
the Hong Kong-based Chocolates by RL Foote.
Foote will be opening the Chocolate and Ceramic Atelier in August on
Island South, a fast-emerging part of the city defined by rejuvenated
warehouse spaces, workshops, artists’ studios and galleries – a part of
the city many MICE visitors will never see without a targeted trip.
Crafting memorable events with chocolate
Foote's background in food art projects has shaped his vision for
creating immersive and unforgettable events. "I would create the table,
cast plates, do the hair and make-up styling on the wait staff for these
immersive food events at museums, for fashion festivals or with
brands," Foote explained. The chocolate was a business that spun out of
that.”
The Chocolate and Ceramic Atelier will offer regular and
custom-scheduled classes designed to be "fun and accessible for
beginners in chocolate making, and that end with a beautiful box of
personally crafted chocolates." These workshops, ideal for small private
groups of six to 10, provide an innovative way for corporate teams to
bond and create lasting memories.
Gold Diamond Lab, a pop-up food art experience developed by Ryan Foote as part of a sit-down sensory menu.Local flavours meet artistry
Foote's chocolates reflect local personality with Cantonese-inspired
flavours and designs for his Hong Kong Collection. For instance, the egg
tart-flavoured bonbon’s design is inspired by the round windows of
Jardine House, and the Mandarin rind is shaped like the basalt rock
formations in Hong Kong Geopark.
Foote's use of 3D printing technology for sculpted chocolates adds
another layer of innovation to his offerings. This cutting-edge approach
not only produces visually stunning creations but also opens up
possibilities for customised corporate gifts and event favours.
Expanding event possibilities
The new atelier in Ap Lei Chau is set to broaden Foote's chocolate
business ambitions and put Hong Kong on the map for its artisanal
chocolate offerings.
Opening the studio, he says, will provide a place to hold special
events and MICE add-ons and excursions, especially since rules and
regulations about external catering and design for major MICE events in
traditional hotel ballrooms can be extremely strict in Hong Kong.
Aside from regular classes, Foote plans on using the space for
dessert and cocktail pairings and whisky pairing events, with an
expanding roster of experiences in the future, as well as repeating the
special pop-ups of Melbourne once he secures the right location and
partners.