I went to Carlo's Bake Shop!!! Finally!!! This has been on my list ever since Cake Boss debuted on TV. I have to say, this was the most exciting event of my trip. I paid a good amount of money to attend this Vegas Uncork'd event, Baking with the Boss. As this was a surprise for my mom, I couldn't tell her why we kept hanging around Carlo's Bake Shop for such a long time. I could only pick up my tickets the hour before at his restaurant across from the bakery, Buddy V. Both of these are located in the Venetian upstairs. I really couldn't tell you exactly how to get there since the Venetian is a maze to me and it took me a whole hour to find my way out one year.
So we went to Carlo's Bake Shop around noon on Friday, the event was on 05/09. A line was already starting to form but it wasn't too bad yet. I got my ticket and was called within 20 - 25 minutes. While waiting, I watched the bakers cut up some goodies. I was hoping these would be for my event I was going to, but I think it was for their huge buffet later on at Caesar's Palace. =( I'll have to make it a priority to try his napoleons next year.
It was a little difficult to maneuver around since the space was crowded, but I ended up getting some of their signature items and cookies: lobster tail, mini cannoli, rainbow cookies, chocolate hazelnut biscottis, hazelnut tart, vanilla cream puff, vanilla hazelnut meringue cookie, wedding cookie.
OMG the lobster tail. It was absolutely delicious and remained crispy even the next day! The pastry cream filling was smooth and decadent and not at all too sweet. What I absolutely loved about all of the goodies was that nothing was overly sweet! It was just the perfect amount of sweetness and everything was so fresh. Nothing tasted artificial. The cannoli had good flavor and wasn't just a deep fried shell, it was crispy, not soggy and the ricotta cream was smooth and thick. My mom loved the rainbow cookies - it was the first time she ever had them and I think it's her new favorite cookie. I think I'll have to buy a pound of biscotti to take home with me next year. They're the perfect size and pretty generous on the hazelnuts. If you like the biscotti and hazelnuts, you'll probably like the hazelnut meringue cookie too, it's pretty crunchy but has a deep hazelnut aroma throughout.
I knew we would have goodies at the event, so it took all my willpower to not open that box and just kill it. Well, it paid off when we got to the event. Buddy had his baked goods out along with some savoury items from his restaurant. The meatballs were good and my mom said it's the best she's ever tasted. She's not typically into meatballs but she was ecstatic over these. The meat and cheeses were also excellent according to her. I didn't try too much savoury foods as I was still stuffed from Society Cafe that morning. But that didn't mean I couldn't eat sweets. We got a little of everything and it turned out to be most of the goods we bought at the bake shop.
Buddy had a little gift for everyone who attended the event and we each got mini red velvet cakes! I really couldn't wait. I think I like these little cakes more than cupcakes, it just makes it feel that much more special.
The cake was very moist and the cream cheese filling was not too sweet. I like how his frosting was not gritty with powdered sugar like a lot of places. It really hit the spot. The chocolate glaze was a nice topper on red velvet and I think I'll try that now on my red velvet cakes. My favorite is still Bobby Flay's red velvet cake recipe, but this was pretty darn good.
Buddy did a demonstration and decorated a prebaked cake. It was entertaining and he's hilarious, such a down-to-earth guy and really genuinely cares about his fans. I got to get my booked signed and a picture with him! He hugged each and every one of his fans and not just a little hug, a nice bear hug!
I am still star-struck. Seriously. My mom was super star-struck. I haven't seen her smile that big for a picture before. Not even when my niece was born.
You can find Carlo's Bake Shop and Buddy V's Ristorante right across from each other upstairs in the Venetian shops. I think it's right above the Bouchon Bakery that's out on the strip on the hotel's right side (your left facing the casino). There are signs everywhere. Make sure you get the lobster tail!
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