THE CAKE BOSS
When it comes to the cake, every bride wants to have the biggest, best, most beautiful piece of cake art imaginable. Who better to exceed every expectation than the Cake Boss? As one of TLC’s most beloved personalities, Buddy Valastro is an accomplished fourth generation baker born into the business, owned and operated by his parents in Hoboken, New Jersey. Carlos’ Bakery was established as a quality dream shop for all kinds of specialty cakes and it was this eclectic approach to baking which drew TLC to Buddy and his crew. Buddy oversees the day-to-day management with a sense of humor and serves as the glue that holds Cake Boss together. He manages to handle “bridezillas,” unreliable suppliers, late deliveries and unruly clients with a comedy that keeps viewers tuning in for every episode.
What inspired you to become the “Cake Boss?”
Well—I was kind of given the name by TLC, but I’m glad to have it. I think it’s awesome that I’m able to inspire people and invite them into our Hoboken bakery to see the kind of crazy things that we do— day in and day out!
You and your team produce so many cakes for so many occasions. Is there one that is the most memorable? Why?
I really loved the aquarium cake and Sesame Street cake—they were amazing creations! The overall amount of detail and creativity that went into them definitely made them stand out.
You have always been involved with baking in some form. What is your earliest memory that involves baking?
I would always come to the bakery with my dad—sometimes for fun, sometimes for work. I would roll out dough and watch my dad do it—and he had this natural way about doing it—I thought I hope to do it like that one day and then my dad passed away when I was 17 and I was there full time from then on.
What was it like growing up in an Italian house where mostly everyone baked? Did you always know that you would become a master baker as well?
Like every kid growing up I thought I would be a baseball player or something like that—then
I started going into work with my dad and really had a liking for this and I’ve been here ever since.
Wedding season is fast approaching. What is the most challenging part of this particular time of the year?
It’s always a fun time of year dealing with brides—we try to accommodate all of their needs and wants and desires, but sometimes it’s just not all possible—so that’s the challenge.
The show has featured all kinds of brides; asking for all sorts of cakes. Have you ever said no to a bride?
Not really “no,” just not being able to achieve all of their goals mainly due to a budget restriction, or gravity.
There is an inherent artistry when it comes to designing and executing the kinds of elaborate cakes you make. Do you consider yourself a baker or an artist?
I suppose a bit of both— although I can’t draw or paint to save my life. I love the science of baking—why certain ingredients work with other ingredients and why things have to cook for “x” amount of time, at the same time— there is a truly rewarding feeling when I finish a cake and look back at it, and sometimes even I am amazed at what we just created. svm
