By Melanie Dunea; Bloomsbury, $39.95
Dunea is a terrific photographer, and she was able to persuade 50 high-profile chefs (Thomas Keller, Ferran Adria, et al.) to pose for the striking images given the full-page treatment in this large-format book. She also got them to reveal what they'd eat for their last meal on earth, who'd cook it, where they'd be when they ate it, who'd they'd want to eat it with, what they'd have to drink and what the background music would be. The answers from each individual are usually interesting but collectively fascinating, as they tell us what matters most in life to this distinguished group. Oddly, there's one recipe from each chef, too, but not necessarily the one he or she said they wanted to go out on. Notably, Guy Savoy sat for his picture but wouldn't talk about his last meal. “I have a phobic rapport with death and will never discuss my last meal!” he wrote. “I talk about openings, not closings.” We guarantee you'll read all 50 entries in this enjoyable book.
