At a Saturday Book Signing, Buddy Valastro Takes the Cake

Hundreds of customers crammed into Wine Legend in Livingston Saturday afternoon to steal a glimpse of Buddy Valastro. Better known as Cake Boss, Valastro was there to sign copies of his new book Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia.

“I wanted to tell a story of how I became the Cake Boss,” he said. “I also wanted the book to be a tribute to my dad and to let people know that they could follow their dreams."

Fans came out to support Valastro’s success, standing in a long line that wrapped around the perimeter of the store and through the aisles. Many people also clamored near the front of the store to snap pictures, to shout out their adoration for Valastro, or to get their picture taken with the owner of Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken.

A fourth-generation baker, Valastro found his niche creating designer cakes. After being featured in several bridal publications and making a number of world-class cakes for events and celebrities, he ended up participating in four Food Network Challenge cake competitions. He lost the first three but eventually won $10,000 in the Battle of the Brides competition.

His TLC show, Cake Boss, is a big hit with adults and kids and features Valastro, his wife Lisa, mom and three sisters. Now in its fourth season, the show spotlights his magnetic personality, family interactions and the day-to-day operation of their bakery. The hour-long program airs Mondays at 9 p.m.

During Saturday’s signing, fans also stood in line to taste a sampling of one of Valastro’s signature cakes. Adults sipped samples of sparkling and distilled wines chosen by store owner Mahesh Lekkala. Also available was the opportunity to order any one of three cakes from Carlo’s which will be delivered to Wine Legend Saturday, March 5.

Livingston mom Jessica Marshall came to the signing with her kids who are huge fans of the show. “They really wanted to come,” she said. “They watch every week.”

To learn more about Cake Boss here. For information on Carlo’s Bakery, visit www.carlosbakery.com.