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FeedBuddy "The Cake Boss" Valastro
The “Cake Boss” will return to Western New York this weekend as the “Kitchen Boss.” Buddy Valastro, star of Cake Boss and Kitchen Boss on TLC, will provide an up-close, interactive, Italian cooking demonstration at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale at all Seneca Casino box offices, through Ticketmaster, and by phone at 800-745-3000.
Valastro, a 34-year-old fourth-generation baker and owner of Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, N.J., gained fame with the reality show Cake Boss in 2009 and has since starred in Next Great Baker and his latest, Kitchen Boss, which debuted last year. Frank Amato Jr.—known by fans as “Cousin Frankie”—will join Valastro for the demonstration.
In Kitchen Boss, Valastro shares favorite Italian dishes with viewers, from his grandmother’s secret recipes to simple tips on how to make meals delicious and turn dinners into family events. After the cooking demonstration on Saturday, Valastro will field questions from the audience.
I had the chance to interview Valastro about cooking and baking on his TV shows, as well as his adventures at Carlo’s Bakery and beyond.
How many cakes does your bakery make in a week? How many pastries?
It depends on the time of year, but we do about 20 wedding cakes, 50 special event cakes (Sweet 16, Birthday, Retirement, etc.), and about 200 buttercream cakes every week.
What was the most challenging cake you ever created?
One of the most challenging cakes was the Transformers cake we made. We used a few pipes for support but the rest was cake—and that thing was a monster!
In the “Cake Boss” episode where you visit Sicily, you learn to make a cassata cake for Lisa's birthday. Do you now make that recipe in Carlo's Bakery?
We can make that cake, but we do not make it every day. People can custom order different types of cake, but it is impossible for us to make everything every day. We started doing these “Old School Fridays” at the bakery so we can bring back some of our old recipes.
How do you know someone will be the right fit to work at Carlo's?
Carlo’s Bakery is like a little family. All of our employees get along so well. You have to joke around and have fun to get through the stressful times.
What made you want to create the Baking with the Cake Boss: 100 of Buddy's Best Recipes and Decorating Secrets cookbook?
When I was teaching myself, I was always looking for books that showed pictures. It is hard to visualize what it should look like without pictures. I wanted other beginner decorators to have a book like “Baking with the Cake Boss” because I took the time to photograph each step. I also packed it full of all the tricks of the trade—things that took me years to learn.
You became a household name from your baking skills and cake artistry, but you're a talented cook as well. How do you like “Kitchen Boss,” versus the reality TV feel of “Cake Boss” and “The Next Great Baker” shows?
“Cake Boss” is just like a regular day in Carlo’s Bakery. That’s why people like it—it’s about the problem solving of creating these massive cakes. “Next Great Baker” is about showing people what it takes to be a baker. It’s not always about making beautiful cakes. There’s a lot of heavy lifting and stress that we go through, and that’s something that I wanted to show people. “Kitchen Boss” is just about making people feel comfortable in the kitchen. I’m not professionally trained or anything, but I know how to make a good meal.
What is your go to meal for a family dinner after a busy day?
At home my wife does a lot of the cooking. She makes a great chicken parm. No matter what we eat, we always sit down as a family. That’s the most important thing.
What meal do your kids request most?
They like the standard kids stuff, and they really like helping to make breakfast. That’s their specialty.
What are your favorite restaurants?
Il Molino in New York City is one of my favorites.
