Buddy Valastro

The holidays are upon us, which means that most of us will indulge in glorious desserts. The majority of people just love dessert. Why? Because dessert tastes good and it makes people smile.

There was a lot of smiling going on November 23, when we bumped into Buddy Valastro of TLC’s “Cake Boss.” Buddy is out promoting his book titled “Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia.” Since Buddy is very family-oriented we decided to bring along our famiglia, which I feel really touched him. In a very informal meet-and-greet we asked Buddy one simple question:

Q: “Any plans on getting into film? Movies?”

A: “Right now, TV, one thing at a time, but I appreciate it, we’ll see.”

Buddy who is extremely friendly, and most of all humble, was pressed for time, since he had to do a show later that day. Where does he find the time? He’s currently on a book and show tour where he goes around the country showing audiences some of his trade secrets. He is also the proprietor of the infamous “Carlos Bakery” of Hoboken, N.J.

If you love watching the “Cake Boss” you will absolutely love the book. If you never watched the show, I guarantee you will start watching. You’ll learn how Buddy rose to bakery royalty. The book is very entertaining, and full of mouth-watering desserts. The recipes include, “Cream Puffs,” “Lobster Tails,” “Pumpkin Pie” and our favorite “St. Joseph’s Zeppelin.” Buddy’s memoir is to be admired because he loves two things: family and kids.

While some critics feel that the family should have kept Buddy in school, it’s not fair to judge, especially when no one really knows the circumstances. The recipes alone are worth the price of the book. You’ll even see some of the beautiful cake creations he has made. You would need just a book in itself to fill the pages of some of his beautiful masterpieces. If you are waiting to read something about his brother-in-law “Remigio” Remy Gonzalez, forget it. There is absolutely no mention of the disgraced Remy or family heartbreak. Believe me, it was heartbreaking to the family, so they even photoshopped him out of family pictures. Remy Gonzalez still remains in jail on charges of sexually assaulting a minor.

Buddy had brought along his wife, Lisa, who was sitting down with her kids, Sophia and Marco, in a corner of the room. Lisa is expecting their fourth child.

We asked Lisa, “Where is the other little one (referring to Buddy Jr)?” “Oh, he’s with Grandma, she responded.”

All in all, the book is a reflection of Buddy’s family life and humble beginnings, and with all his proclaimed fame, he’s just as sweet as pie. With all his success on TV, it would be great to see Buddy on the big screen some day. I’m quite sure it would be a great hit.