Tickets start at $37.75, with limited $75 VIP tickets available that include a post-show meet and greet. But Valastro gave us a free taste in the following Q&A:
See Also: -Event: Bakin' With The Boss Tour -Buddy in Denver 2010 -Cupcake Wars champ Doron Peterson
Westword: What's your favorite thing about your job?
Buddy Valastro: It makes people happy and I challenge my creativity every day. Making cakes is my favorite thing in the world.
Could you ever see yourself in any other profession?
I can't see myself doing anything else because this is my dream job, but maybe I'd be a lawyer, who knows?
What has been your greatest challenge in your profession?
Definitely growing the business and making sure that the quality stays the same. Years ago I'd do a lot more stuff myself, but now I trust other people to step in. You do as much as you can. I got a great team and we do what we do well.
How was the transition into television and celebritydom?
It's different. When you go to the mall now, everybody knows who you are and I have to stop and take pictures and sign autographs. That took some getting used to, but I love it. I have a loyal, caring family to support me.
What was it like growing up in a cake family?
It was great. I love cake and we still do at the bakery. We had great memories when me and my dad owned the bakery and we could eat as much cake as we want. What's the toughest thing you've ever learned?
Everything is a learning experience. Sometimes you make great cakes and sometimes they are whatever, but at the end of the day it's about learning from your triumphs and learning from your mistakes. We remember when that cake turned out great when we used this and that on it, so we do it again, but we also have big flops and stay away from doing those things again.
What do you consider your greatest success?Of everything I've accomplished, my family.
What is your greatest mistake?
My greatest cake mistake would probably be when I did the solar system cake. That didn't turn out how we wanted. In life...maybe I'd like to spend more time with my wife and kids. I wish I had more time, but I feel like I do everything I can.
How much does an average cake cost in the bakery?
That's what I'm happy about, because at the bakery we can do a $2 cupcake or a $10,000 cake. You can buy a $10 sheet cake or a $5,000 elaborate cake. It's really for everyone.
What the most expensive cake you've ever made?
I think it was about $25,000 and weighed a couple thousand pounds.
What's your favorite cake to make and eat?
Vanilla cake with French cream, fresh strawberries and chocolate ganache.
What do you love most about making cakes?
The best part is when I'm either putting flowers on or icing the cake and I'm really focused, then I step back and see what I've created.
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