Charlie Trotter -- the notoriously temperamental chef -- didn't disappoint when it came time to auction off famed photographs and other items from his former world-renowned restaurant.

He ended the auction early. And also got testy with the media and the would-be buyers.

Only about 10 percent of the lots put up for bid -- which also included small sculptures, decorative items and framed photographs and menus -- actually sold. The restaurant's plates, stemware, pots, pans, and kitchen utensils and equipment never went on the block.

There were about 60 people present, with some bidders online, for an auction that listed more than 1,500 lots, Chicago Tribune reports.

"Just so you know," Trotter said in his introduction before bidding began, "if the things don't go for what I think they're going to go for, I will buy them myself. OK? That's how we work here."

Chicago Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles has more of the scoop.