Cake Boss on fame, upcoming show in RVA

In 2009, the TLC show Cake Boss propelled fourth-generation baker Buddy Valastro into the limelight of reality TV. He’s now touring with his own show for the Holidays, and it’s coming to RVA next week.

December 6, 2012; 6:54 AM • by Nathan Cushing

The star of TLC’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, will appear at the Landmark Theater next week as part of his “Homemade for the Holidays Tour.” Featuring cake decoration tutorials, stories, music, and an audience Q/A period, the show is designed so “you can bring your four year-old and grandma,” said the 34 year-old baker last week by phone.

At age 11, Buddy began working alongside his father who owned Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey. When his father died when Buddy was 17, the fourth-generation baker took over the business.

With wedding cakes regular features in bridal magazines, Buddy was asked to participate on the show Food Network Challenge. His telegenic qualities led to TLC launching Cake Boss in 2009, a reality TV show that follows Buddy, his family, and his bakery. The show is now in its sixth season.

“It’s definitely been a whirlwind,” said Buddy about the fame he’s garnered because of the show’s success. But he said success hasn’t changed who he is. “At the end of the day, I still feel like a normal guy.”

His talents go beyond baking and television. After making a college keynote speech, Buddy received unexpected compliments. “‘Wow, you’re a really good speaker,'” people told him. “‘You’re really motivational.'”

That led to creating his two-and-a-half week holiday tour. The show appeals to more than adult fans of Cake Boss. “I want it to be a show I would take my four children to,” Buddy said. The show’s itinerary includes Buddy decorating five cakes while offering the audience his coveted insights. He will then pull audience members on stage to compete for the cakes “in a comical way.”

His upcoming appearance at the Landmark will certainly not the first time Buddy has been around Richmonders.

Recently, he met Melissa Payne, co-owner of Sweets Couture, a wedding cake design studio in Chesterfield, VA. Payne is a currently on Cake Boss spin-off, Next Great Baker , a TLC show that follows 13 contestants as they compete for a $100,000 prize and the opportunity to work alongside Buddy.

“She’s amazing,” Buddy said about Payne. While he said he couldn’t divulge her fate on the show until the final episode airs, he had nothing but nice things to say about the local baker. “She was great and a real sweetheart.”

Buddy Valastro will appear live at The Landmark Theater on Thursday, December 13th at 7:30 PM.