Does anyone else out there find it exceeding difficult to find a TV show that both you and your significant other can enjoy together?  Well, it’s a regular challenge that both Kathleen and I deal with on a regular basis.  She’s obsessed with her morbid crime documentaries or dry Egyptology shows, where as I enjoy silly shows like House or So you think you can dance.  We all have our vices…But every once in a while there’s a show that really works for both of us.  The Cake Boss is one such show.

The show is about Buddy Valastro, who  is one of the most successful and renowned cake artists in the United States.  He’s the master baker of Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey.  He’s the BOSS, hence the name.  He basically supervises a team that includes his mother, four older sisters and three brothers-in-law.  The show blends the artistry of cake-making and the drama associated with running a family business.  There are a bunch of characters on the show, which bring us endless entertainment. 

While watching a recent episode, Kathleen and I thought it would be a cool idea to visit the actual bakery in Hoboken.  We joked around about a few times, but I didn’t actually think we’d ever end up going.  I mean, it’s not like it’s just down the street.  We’re talking about a 2 hr drive.  Well, as you might have guessed by now, we chose a date and stuck to it.  We’d be accompanied by our close friend Tara and Kathleen’s brother, Joey.  We chatted and laughed the entire way there.  It was great!  continue reading »

Ahhh, nothing beats a home-cooked meal.  I take great comfort in a nice meal prepared by myself or Kathleen while relaxing at home.  We don’t cook often, but when we do it’s always enjoyable.  Part of the reason we don’t cook very often is because I’m usually away from home four nights a week while traveling for work.  This means I’m essentially forced to eat out just about every night.  Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy eating out just as much as the next guy.  I really do!  But…as you might imagine, it’s not always the healthiest option.  Especially when you’re consistently hitting nice restaurants.  I don’t know about you, but I almost feel obligated to try the most popular dish when I visit a new place.  Most popular doesn’t always equate to the healthiest.  And of course…My meal is usually accompanied by banter with colleagues and a few drinks.  It can be good times, but it can also get old really quickly.  Not the company, but the rich food!

So when my old buddy Joe said his wife Linda wanted me over to dinner, and she’d be cooking, I was thrilled.  She’s an amazing cook and I view them both as family, so I knew I would have a great time.  I even got to spend some time with their beautiful little boy, Kameel, whom I bonded with over potato chips prior to dinner.  What a cute kid!  I decided to document this evening as it’s a rare instance where I was actually treated to a home-cooked meal on the road.  And in my book, that’s a pretty special occasion.  Thank you both for the great night! continue reading »