WHAT: King-size Imperial Torte

WHERE: Hotel Imperial; ViennaPRICE: $63

Mitchell Davis at the James Beard Foundation claims that desserts priced higher than $30 tend to be unpopular. That may not bother the next five chefs and chocolatiers on our list, who seem more concerned with craft, tradition and exhibition than sales. The torte at the Hotel Vienna, for instance. Legend has it that this chocolate-glazed cake was first created in honor of Emperor Franz Josef I to coincide with the hotel's opening in 1873. Made with almond, marzipan and cocoa crème under a milk-chocolate glaze, this handmade cake is presented in a fanciful wooden box and shipped to Ottoman lovers all over the world. A limited edition featuring gold leaf and Swarovski Crystals will be introduced later this year.

For more information: Imperial Torte