Celebrated Spanish restaurateur Ferran Adria will have more than money in mind when he visits next week for an auction of the cellar contents from his now-closed restaurant, El Bulli.
Adria, one of the world's most influential and creative chefs, wants to renew his acquaintance with the city's cuisine, particularly its Cantonese specialties.
"It has been a long time since I visited Hong Kong," he said in an e-mail interview.
"I recall [from] my earlier visits many great restaurants which I hope to return to, and I also intend to visit new ones to have a better understanding of restaurant culture in Hong Kong.
"There are many dishes, mostly Cantonese, which I have a passion for. Surely, I will try more than just dim sum."
In addition to the wines, other El Bulli memorabilia, such as chefs' jackets signed by Adria, custom-made serving dishes and cutlery, as well as the chance to dine with the chef in Spain - opening bid at HK$40,000 - will be on the block on April 3. A second auction will take place in New York on April 26.