“World’s best restaurant” closing for two years

Come 2012, the small Spanish coastal town of Roses will have to rely on its natural charm to bring in the tourists. Its primary attraction—El Bulli, often cited as the best restaurant in the world—is closing down. Chef Ferran Adrià said 15-hour workdays and a desire to update his menu were behind his decision to shutter the place for 2012 and 2013. “El Bulli is not closing down. These are not two years on sabbatical,” he told Agence France. “We want the year 2014 to stand out, and I know that when I return it will not be the same.”

The Spanish restaurant helped popularize the practice of molecular gastronomy and served such special menu items as hot ice cream, frothy truffle cappuccino and liquid ravioli. Patrons have even been observed sucking on vegetable lollipops. Fans of this edgy style of cooking who were planning to travel to Roses for the food (it took about two years to get a reservation, anyhow) should take heart and save a few thousand dollars. We point to Colborne Lane and Lucien as cost-effective alternatives.

• Spain’s El Bulli to shut for two years [National Post]