Duff Goldman

Though I am an avid Food Network devotee…I never really watch “Ace of Cakes”. It’s not that I have anything against the show itself…it’s just that I am one of the, what, 5 people in this country that despise reality TV. The snark, the nastiness, the stupid game-playing, the total lack of shame and/or pride of the people involved…no, thanks.

And yet, from reading “Ace of Cakes”…it appears that this is one reality show that has none of what I dislike about reality TV. This show more show is real, for one, and is about nice, talented people who love what they do and where the work. Whod’ve thunk?

The creator of the style of cake, the place (Charm City Cakes) and the great working atmosphere is Duff Goldman. In this book, the reader learns a great deal about him and the people that he’s drawn together to create magic. His talent and outlook on life and art are what inspire his business, his show and now, this book.

“Yes, art can be something that hangs on a wall, but it can also be the shape of a building, the sleek lines of a race car, or lighted images projected on a screen. And, yes, art can be something you can eat. Food as art is a temporary medium, but, like all lasting art, where it matters most is not on the plate but in your memories.”

I think what made this book so interesting for me was the love and passion that came through…mostly from Duff, but also from the other artists at Charm City Cakes and those who are now part of that family by way of the show. These people love what they do and where they work. They also love their city (Baltimore) and the man who brought them all together. All parts of “Ace of Cakes” come together in this book…the artists, the clients, those involved in the show…even those people who blog about the show. It’s a multi-faceted look at an amazing (and very positive) phenomenon. It made me think of the “If you build it, they will come…” quote from Field of Dreams. Duff Goldman imagined it, started it…and then drew people to him with his talent and personality.

The pictures and illustrations are very well done. If you can eat with your eyes…I’d better avoid the scale for a while. And the gorgeous and outrageous designs…well, there’s no putting those into words. Well, except maybe this quote from one of the decorators, Ben, might sum it up a bit: “…combining an aircraft carrier, a dog named Randolph, and a left-hand turn signal into one cake can be a daunting task.”

This book provided a fascinating look for me into an art form, a place, and some very talented and wonderful people that I knew very little about. Though I doubt I will be able to ever experience Charm City Cakes first hand, this book provided just a taste (sorry…couldn’t avoid that forever…) of what this “more than a bakery” has to offer.

“…mixing friendship with business is risky – because close camaraderie among management and staff can complicate hard business choices. Yet somehow we’ve made it work in most cases. We’re all friends who enjoy applying their skills to cake decorating…treating everyone the best you can installs a loyalty that contributes to the collective success of the business.”

And Charm City Cakes/ “Ace of Cakes” is a success indeed…and? It now has one more loyal viewer. show less

This book is jam packed with pictures, tips, team bios, episode guide, info on Baltimore, behind-the-scenes of the show and Food Network and of course fun stories about Duff and the gang from Charm City Cakes. I especially loved the pictures. There are hundreds of photos in the book ranging from the bakery and cakes to cool customer pics like reactions to the cakes and kids dressed as Duff for Halloween.

By far my favorite line in the whole book is "Don't forget that cakes are little bastards show more - not to be trusted!". With lines like that you know this book is a whole barrel of laughs. I learned a lot of interesting things about Duff and quite a bit about cakes and decorating even though this isn't a how-to cake book. I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves the show or just wants to drool over these AMAZING creations. show less

This almost fully illustrated cookbook is packed full of delicious items to try, from breads to cookies to pies. While I was flipping through in envy, since I can't eat regular baked goods, I was very happily surprised to find a vegan and gluten-free chapter hidden in here. With fourteen safe and enticing recipes for me, I was pleasantly surprised by this new cookbook that has something for everyone!

Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

There are many items in this book I just need to sit down and make. But, I started with the cheesecake for my husband's birthday. It was very good, very creamy. We really enjoyed it! I like the opening of this book too with the discussion about what each different flour type is and other things you'll need to make different recipes.