TLG Meets " Cake Boss " Buddy Valastro from TLC'S Hit TV Series

What does TLG do on a Saturday afternoon when not reading or blogging??  Well, living in NJ we take advantage of all of the fun things to do around here.  Today, we decided to take a ride to "Carlos Bake Shop" in Hoboken NJ, (a half hour ride for us not including the 20 minutes it took to find a parking spot!) home to the hit TLC series " Cake Boss ."  We were very fortunate that after waiting in line for 20 minutes to get into the jam-packed bakery, Buddy himself happen to be hanging out in the back of the bakery and was awesome enough to chat with us for a few minutes and pose with Lauryn and Sami for a photo shot.

We asked Buddy who happened to be one of the nicest guys we have ever met, what he enjoys most about what he does and he said, "seeing the look of satisfaction on his customer's faces when he presents them with their cake and knowing that he was able to be a part of their special occasion."  We didn't get much time to spend with Buddy as the place was mobbed, but we were thrilled that he gave us some of his precious time.  For those of you who watch the series on TLC, we were able to snap a pic of Buddy's sister Mary behind the counter and we were also able to meet Mauro, Buddy's right-hand man and brother-in-law (who happened to be walking in to the VZ-Wireless store next door to get his phone fixed).

We decided to pick up some treats while we were there (wouldn't you) and decided on some pingoli tarts, pingoli cookies (both were sooo yummy!) and we couldn't leave without getting one of Buddy's signature cakes iced with fondant.  Our cake was a whopping $44.95, BUT was probably one of the best cakes we have ever had.  The cake was half white, half black, with a chocolate filling.  Fresh as can be, the cake itself was so moist and delicious.... worth every penny!

Hhhmmm, what's inside??

Nice and pretty before we tore into it!

About 1 minute after the picture above was taken (yum, yum, and more yum!)

Before leaving, we picked up an authentic "Carlos Bake Shop" T-shirt for the girls that Buddy was kind enough to autograph for them.

Although this is absolutely not a "review" we must say that overall, Buddy and his Bake Shop get 5 out of 5 stars!

" Cake Boss " with Buddy and his mostly famiglia staff is on every Monday night at 10pm est on TLC.  We are going to give you a link to Buddy's website and if you get a chance, go check out the cakes that he has for display on his site... They are unbelievable!  Click HERE to be taken directly to the Bakery's site.

Well, we know this doesn't really have much to do with books or reading, but sometimes TLG likes to share special things we do with you guys, and this was one of them.  If you are a fan of the show feel free to comment and if you are not well, feel free to comment as well and if you can check out their show!

Thanks guys and we hope you enjoyed out little afternoon out as much as we did!

***THE CONTEST FOR A SIGNED COPY OF "CANDOR" BY PAM BACHORZ HAS ENDED AND OUR WINNER PICKED BY RANDOM.ORG IS.................LADYSTORM!!!

CONGRATS LADYSTORM!  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ENTERED, AND REMEMBER THE CONTEST FOR "ADVENTURERS WANTED: SLATHBOG'S GOLD" BOOK AND AUDIO BOOK (2 WINNERS) ENDS NEXT SATURDAY, DEC 26th, 2009!  THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER!***

Dave, Mara, Lauryn, and Sami

The Lateiner Gang