Marcel Desaulniers

Anyone who can write a book and title it "Death By Chocolate," then follow it with a sequel named "Desserts To Die For" has got to have a bit of whimsy in his soul. Indeed, Marcel Desaulniers is not only a talented creator of decadent desserts, he is also a most warm and fascinating person. Despite his very French name, this very American chef hangs his toque in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, at his long-standing and acclaimed Trellis restaurant. Most readers know him as the author of Death by Chocolate, the luscious book named after the equally luscious dessert he's fashioned out of chocolate and mocha mousses, cocoa meringue, chocolate brownie, chocolate ganache and mocha rum sauce. Not just a little decadent, each heavenly slice contains 1,354 calories. But after all, you only live once! He has also received James Beard Awards for both the book and TV series entitled "Death By Chocolate" and for his TV series "The Burger Meisters."