The 47-year journey of the world's finest restaurant has come to an end. Spain's el Bulli restaurant pioneered molecular gastronomy, and topped global rankings on many occasions in the past. But as of last Saturday, the restaurant served its last meal.

The final serving of "el bulli" was a family-like gathering rather than a public closure. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain dished up a meal for staff and their families.

Jose Andres, chef of el bulli, said, "I came here when I was 16 years old and my life changed. I became a man and cook, it gave me the strength to go out to the world and see things in another way: I saw everything was possible."

The restaurant only opened for business for six months of the year and never turned a profit, despite its reputation and lengthy waiting list. Now el bulli will reinvent itself as a foundation for culinary creativity, with an annual investment of between 600,000 and 800,000 euros.

Spain's el Bulli restaurant pioneered molecular gastronomy, and topped global rankings on many occasions in the past.

Ferran Adria, chef and founder of el bulli, said, "Here, in the new facilities, there will be 30 people making creations every day. We want to open in 2014, but we will start work in 2012. The only thing that's different is that there will not be reservations."

Adria still insists on popularizing creative cooking and encourages amateur chefs to imitate his dishes on a budget at home. In addition to a permanent team of about 15 people, the foundation will hire another 12 applicants from across the globe.

(CNTV August 3, 2011)