Bartolo "Buddy" Valastro’s boisterous personality—and skill with crazy confections—have made him a popular celebrity chef on TLC’s reality television series Cake Boss. Currently on its sixth season, the show has spawned spin-off series Kitchen Boss. Valestro is bringing his talents on tour to the Stranahan Theater on Saturday November 16—The City Paper grilled him about his baking in anticipation.
Have you always wanted to be in the bakery business? If not, what other careers were you interested in?
I knew at a very young age that this is what I wanted to do. I grew up helping my dad and mom in the bakery and I always wanted to learn and do more and more.
What’s your favorite cake to make?
You know, I actually like that no cake is the same. I’m able to always do something different, but I definitely enjoy decorating wedding cakes. There’s something about those classic techniques that I love doing.
What can viewers look forward to seeing in the new season of “Cake Boss?”
We’ve got a ton of crazy cakes in the new season! I’m really excited for the new season and for my new show Bakery Boss. I’ve been working with these family-run bakeries across the country to revamp their businesses. It’s been a great experience and I can’t wait for everyone to see it this December.
What’s the best advice for people who want to get in the bakery business?
Really want it. If you want something more than anyone, you’ll make it because you’ll work harder than everybody else out there.
You are currently on tour! What can people expect from your shows?
My show is going to be a blast! I’ll be demonstrating holiday cake decorating tips and sharing my favorite stories from my family and the bakery. And I’m getting the fans onstage for some hilarious contests.
What is your favorite hobby/pastime?
I’ve always loved to fish. It’s one of my favorite things to do with my family.
What makes “Cake Boss” different from other reality shows?
This is a show about family and a family business; it’s not about celebrity or drama. I think a lot of fans relate to my family’s dynamic and relationships and that is what makes it special.
What’s the biggest challenge when making your cakes?
It definitely depends on the cake. If it’s one of the huge crazy cakes, then making sure all the moving parts work without compromising the cake itself is always a challenge.
Which one of your cakes was the hardest to make?
The NASCAR cake took years off me, honestly. We made over 2,000 cakes to make it happen.
Where do you find your inspiration for decorating such extravagant cakes?
I pull inspiration from all over. For a wedding cake, I listen to what the bride and groom want; I look at their theme, the bride’s dress, her bouquet. For birthday cakes, I like to get an idea of the person celebrating their birthday and use that as a starting point.
Buddy Valestro will come to Toledo on Saturday November 16. 7:30pm. The Stranahan, Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-381-8851. stranahantheater.com/
