I’m not a cooking show person, but I understand that many people enjoy the various chef competition, food eating, and restaurant series that abound all around the dial. But still I have to wonder — what happens when the series are more niche than generalized? Is there a large enough audience for a show about cakes?
And is there sufficient material for a series? I was wondering that before watching Cake Boss, back when I thought the show was a competition. So even more so, can a bakery entertain all season long?
Episode Summary – The art of cake-making is extremely cool. Admit it — we’ve all seen pictures of some ridiculously amazing cakes, from the authentic replica football fields to the recreated scenes from a movie. Very cool.
But that’s the theoretical, the aesthetic, side of the art. The reality is a lot darker than that. I’ll begin with the cake from my wedding, the one that never even got cut. It was multi-tiered, so my wife and I decided to take just the top home with us afterward. Little did we know to expect wooden sticks and tin platform circles cooked into the cake to provide it with structure. Talk about a turn-off.
Which brings me to the cool-in-theory St. Louis skyline cake that the crew at the bakery whipped up for a client. It was amazing to see the finished product take form from a sketch, and the creativity is something to behold. The famed Arch, Busch Stadium, the Mississippi River, random buildings, a riverboat … even the small touches like lane designations and rocks.
But even after watching the thing being put together, I couldn’t honestly tell you what parts of the cake were actually edible. It’s frightening to think about how many inedible, disgusting things might be in there — metal pipe, wood, paper, Styrofoam, who knows what else. Were the buildings made of cake? Maybe. But the show doesn’t spend a lot of time focused on the “how,” so much as the people working in the kitchen.
Or, more specifically, cake boss Buddy Valastro, the only person who we really spent any time with this past week. And his sister Mary, but the side of her that we were privy to this time around wasn’t much to write home about.
Buddy seems like the typical small businessman. I don’t know whether more time is spent on the business in other episodes, but I think I’d be interested in that aspect of things. What’s the market for these bakeries? Does the money come from the specialty orders, or the flow of retail customers going in and out all day long? And who’s working on the fresh baked goods that all those people were enjoying?
Conclusions – This show has got to be about the people … Buddy seemed more one act than long-haul entertaining, while Mary was just nasty. I understand there are plenty more members of the Valastro family, but I wonder if that overshadows the staff as a result. Or maybe that’s the point; I don’t know.
But if it’s not about the people, it’s got to be the enterprise — in this case cakes. But as cool as the project was (not to mention the treasure chest for the twin’s birthday party), it’s gross to think about what’s in the cake. Maybe had we been privy to the “how” a bit more … I understand that Ace of Cakes does a better job of that.
I mean, what was edible about the treasure chest? Just the very top of the chest that was slightly ajar? Isn’t that a wasted effort? Not to mention a potential disaster?
Not a bad show, but if you’re going to go narrow-focus like cakes, at least make my mouth water at the end … not fear for splinters!
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Jul 05, 2010 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
Generally, the clients and their stories tend to be what the episode is more centered on. The reason Buddy’s sister Mary was featured so prominently in this episode was because she also happened to be the client. Usually what makes the show compelling is discovering the client’s unique needs, and seeing how Buddy and the gang let their imaginations go wild. And occasionally catastrophe strikes, which can be compelling.
Personally, I prefer the various cake shows more than any other cooking show. The other cooking shows just make me feel bad that anything I make doesn’t even come close. As you said, most of the cakes they make aren’t even edible (though supposedly Buddy is better at making it as edible as possible than Duff of Ace of Cakes) and the part that is edible is going to taste the same as any other cake. The part that’s impressive is it’s appearance, and the cakes would look the same if they’re sitting in front of me on my birthday or if I’m just watching them on TV. So, all the fun of the cool cake, with none of the expense!
*POST AUTHOR*
I would have loved to see the client while he drove the cake to the party. I’ll bet there’s no way it made it there in one piece. :)
There was only one cake on Cake Boss that I wanted to eat – that was Buddy’s cream puff cake made in honor of his dad. That one looked YUM!
The other cakes-of-the-week are certainly impressive, but the fact is, a tough sheet cake wrapped in nasty, colored fondant is not going to taste that great. :-s
To me, this show is an okay way to kill an hour, but I actually prefer Ace of Cakes – Duff’s employees are more amusing.
*POST AUTHOR*
I thought Ace of Cakes was a competition show….
It’s not a competition. It’s pretty much the same thing as Cake Boss. The only difference is the people. Buddy’s family works at his bakery, so that angle is emphasized (and they play up the mafia angle implied by the show’s title, which is just silly). On Ace of Cakes, Duff has a bunch of his friends working for him – they are all weird artist types, but very lovable, odd, and funny.
The competition show is on the Food Network, it’s just called like Ultimate Cake Challenge or something along those lines. It features different bakers every time. The cakes that they make on that show tend to be the coolest looking (imho), but least edible. There’s always a height requirement (something like 7 feet I think) and the only way to get that is to use a ton of PVC and 2×4’s and all sorts of structural elements.
*POST AUTHOR*
What’s the accomplishment if most of your cake can be found on a construction site? How’s that baking?
As a rule I don’t watch reality TV, but I’ve watched a few episodes of both Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes and I prefer the latter. Ruby’s right that Duff’s employees are more amusing and sometimes it’s more like watching a sitcom than a reality show. Still, making cakes, no matter how beautiful and complex, just doesn’t add up to compelling weekly viewing for me. I’ll catch one with my daughter every month or two and that’s enough for me.
As for reality shows in general, these kinds of shows aren’t the type that gave/give reality TV a bad name. These are fun shows in the vein of Mythbusters where everyone works together toward a common goal. These are the kinds of reality TV I can get behind, even if I can’t watch it every week.
I realize there are limitations on what can be done with truly edible (and tasty) components, but I’ve always wished there’d be a show about a cake place that makes cakes that are fully edible. And by fully edible I don’t mean marginally able to stomach certain parts, I mean tasty from the top to the bottom. Sure, what could be done with such a limitation would probably look lame compared to these near works of art, but as a person who loves to cook and loves to eat even more I believe I would appreciate such a show and the cakes produced even more. Something tells me I’d be in the viewing minority with a show like that, though. Bob and I are bringers of TV death to shows we like, but since I was born first I take the title…he’s just my minion.
This wasn’t nearly as fun as dogging you about a show I like that you poop on. How about checking out the NBC 13-episode series “Persons Unknown” for one of your upcoming columns? Sure, since it’s got a continuing story arc you’d be completely lost, but that would give you more to complain about, which you like (admit it!). And since I like the show your pooping all over another of my faves would give me something to complain about, which I like. Hey, win-win!
BTW, you mentioned something about a wife. Judging by your picture, you’re kinda young for marriage, ain’t ya? My Mommy always said I should at least be able to tie my shoes before I “tie the knot.”
Sorry, a little OCD re-edit of the 2nd to last sentence in the 2nd to last paragraph. I think it should’ve been typed: “And since I like the show, your pooping all over another of my faves would give me something to complain about, which I like.”
Yep, just added a comma after the word “show.” If I didn’t I’d be trying to run up walls and hurt myself with marshmallows and all sorts of other crazy person antics.
*POST AUTHOR*
Nothing wrong with this being a “fun” show; I was just expecting something else beforehand. I too would have preferred a 100% edible cake.
I don’t do scary, or anything akin to real science fiction. No can do sir. Any other suggestions?
That’s the boy. We look like brothers, but I can tie my shoes … he slips his on. :)
From what I’ve seen of “Persons Unknown” everything about it could be considered drama. Any technology or events are explained by various characters as existing technology, of which there is little. It’s not scary at all, just a very unusual mystery. Seven different people from all walks of life wake up in hotel rooms in a small, deserted town that doesn’t seem to be more than about 4 city blocks long in any direction. There are those mysterious “camera bubbles” everywhere, so they know they’re being watched and they can’t leave. Those efforts are hampered by a microwave barrier set up around the “town” that a soldier in the bunch says have been used by the military. That barrier thing is probably the closest it gets to sci-fi and that’s not what I would call even on the outskirts of the genre.
If I had to describe what kind of show it was in one word it would be “mystery.”
If my comforting description of “Persons Unknown” isn’t enough to pique your interest (which it should, since I’m known globally for my piqueing skills) then how about some of USA Network’s original series? I mean, unless you’re just totally awesome like me and already watch them. Might I suggest “Burn Notice,” “Royal Pains,” (which isn’t all that good, but it passes the time in the Summer) “White Collar,” (which is awesome and if you say otherwise I will hate you, but only slightly) or “Psych.” There’s always “Leverage” if you don’t already watch that, either. I really love all those shows, with the exception of “Royal Pains” and since the second season has begun I’m liking it a little better as they’ve toned down an annoying character a little bit.
It’s too bad you don’t do sci-fi as that’s my favorite genre.
How about something that airs on BBC America? Ever since I was a young lad, I played the silver ball…no, wait, ever since I was a young lad I’ve enjoyed British television which I could only find on my local PBS affiliate and only in the late evening and weekends. Since I don’t get BBC America I would be hard pressed to recomend something for you to poop on, I mean review, that isn’t sci-fi.
Doctor Who has been a favorite of mine since I was that young lad I mentioned. I even had to watch it on a black and white TV with rabbit ears. And in case you were wondering I’m not referring to the finish of the case. The picture was in greyscale! Really! And, no, we didn’t slaughter a bunny just to watch TV.
Since you’re not into scary I guess “Being Human” is out even though the scary moments are often strangely comical. It’s a brilliant show. If you hated it we could argue for pages and pages!
My last Brit suggestion that I can find airing on BBC America is something you’ve had to have seen: “Absolutely Fabulous” which describes itself very well.
Okay, I’ve rambled enough. Your young man is quite the cute kid. Adopted?
*POST AUTHOR*
Yeah, I’m just not buying Persons Unknown. I might be willing to consider something from BBC America … I have heard good things about Doctor Who. They lose the funny accents for the American airings, right?…
Thanks for the USA Network suggestions, but I watch Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Psych, In Plain Sight, and White Collar (which I’ve been covering for the site since it’s premiere) already.
Like I said, he and I could be twins…. ;)
I’m both surprised and pleased that you enjoy all the great USA Network original programming. There’s hope for you yet!
Your response to “Persons Unknown” is all the more reason to review it. You can hate it so I can argue with you!
And sorry, but they don’t cut the accents on Doctor Who, so you’ll just have to listen harder. If you were to review any sci-fi related show, I would think a visit to the good Doctor would be your best bet. It’s really more of a fantasy/sci-fi/fairy tale/comedy/family show and there’s a reason it’s been running since 1963 even when you factor in the extended break between the “classic” series and the rebirth.
If you do decide to check out Doctor Who, remember a couple of things. One, his actual name isn’t “Doctor Who” which is the most often made mistake by reviewers (He’s just “The Doctor”). And two, if things like plot holes you could fly a 747 through, impossible coincidences, scientific errors and a small, metal device called a sonic screwdriver that can do almost anything bother you then don’t bother watching. If, however, you can suspend disbelief and just enjoy the craziness of the characters it’s just good fun.
Twins separated by a number of years, I presume?
*POST AUTHOR*
Ah, but since I don’t go into these viewings with the expectation of not liking the show….
Yeah, you lost me at “fantasy/sci-fi/fairy tale” and “suspend disbelief.” I’m particular about things making sense, for the most part. Shucks! :)
Aw, man! Making sense is for everyday life. I use the TV to get as far away from reality as is possible; same for books. I suppose it’s why I loathe most reality shows and barely tolerate others. I like to escape the world for a while. When I want to learn something I use the web, that way I can learn what I want and when I want without commercials interrupting my stream of reading.
I once said I must watch TV differently than most people, but with regards to using it to simply escape reality and have some fun I’d have a hard time believing most folks don’t do that. I just think the more grounded stuff is about as interesting as watching accountants in action. Send my butt to a far-off galaxy where I can see things only the imagination could conceive any day!
*POST AUTHOR*
While I do hear that argument, nothing on TV isn’t an escape from reality for me, whether the charatcers are working in an office or lost on an island. Not only are the situations never fully realistic … but it’s not real! A cop show may be a cop show may be a cop show, but how do I Know what it’s like to be a cop (unless I am one)?
I think I wasn’t clear about what I meant when I said I like to escape reality. I was just giving the most extreme examples to prove my point, but any scripted programming is escaping reality enough for me. It’s the reality TV and game shows I just don’t really dig. And, yes, I know a lot of that reality stuff is prompted, set-up, et cetera, but it’s not the kind of escapism I enjoy.
For the record I watch a lot of cop shows. I watch/endure all 3 CSIs, love Castle, still hear the piano playing in my head from Hill Street Blues, still mourn the loss of Life, was completely captivated by the all-too-short 6 episode series of Luther, and will watch reruns of Dragnet whenever I can. I guess you can call me a scripted television snob, because if it isn’t scripted I’m probably not watching it; Discovery and History excluded.
And why don’t you seriously consider changing the name of your article to “I Poop On Your Show” as an homage to Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. Maybe wait for next April 1 and give it a 1-time shot. You can even poop on my favorite show, Fringe, but I suspect you wouldn’t watch it on a dare. It’s sci-fi, creepy, scary, icky, and fun.
*POST AUTHOR*
No, I got it. Just saying I find all TV an escape.
I tried the Fringe pilot when it premiered … talk about an awful show! :)
I’m typing this looking for the “punch pooper in the face” tag right now!
i never watch reality tv shows, but the cake boss intriques me. my nephew in toronto introduced me to it. the family is authentic, and humble. buddy inspires all to pursue their artistic talents. the people or clients are from all walks of life, and he pivots and designs on the dime for each individual. Bravo Buddy and family! ALLA FAMIGLIA SALUD!!!
*POST AUTHOR*
The show worked … I was just disappointed that so much of those cakes is inedible. :)
I really enjoy watching Cake Boss. The finished cakes are amazing, but I do agree with you on the wood, styrofoam and all that other inedible crap on a cake. I heard his cakes are amazing tasting… If they are why not put more in your creations. I don’t like the fact that he uses rice crispy treats. I order a cake, and I cut into it and say “Rice Crispy treats! YUM!” (Sarcasm). Other than that the show is very entertaining, and fun to watch.
P.S. Fear the splinter! Lol