By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — They’re fun, they’re competitive and they’re from New Jersey, which makes them perfect for reality TV.
Al DiBartolo and Manny Agigian are the brains and brawn behind DiBartolo’s Bakery in Collingswood.
They have taken their talents on a national level, as they compete on TLC’s “Cake Boss: Next Great Baker,” putting South Jersey in the spotlight.
“Nothing ever happens in South Jersey, it is either in Philadelphia or New York or north Jersey,” Agigian said. “To be from here, kind of lost in the shuffle, a stone’s throw from the bridge, it is great.”
The show is hosted by Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, who is also from Hoboken, New Jersey.
“I felt a connection to him unlike all the other contestants, growing up in an Italian family bakery,” DiBartolo explained.
The two are competing to win $100,000 and they’ve been dubbed “Team Black,” as they flex their creative muscles.
Agigian said, “We’re the only team that has short sleeves, I don’t know why.” DiBartolo added, “We go into it flexing but there is more to us than that.”
Call these “beef-cakes” whatever you want, but don’t say they weren’t made for TV.
“We stay in the gym,” Agigian said. “We try to stay as sexy as we can for the television, we love it.”
The high energy duo has nearly 40 years of experience combined and they put it to the test against nine other teams.
The talent is crazy,” explained Agigian. “Every week somebody is going to blow your mind.”
Like cakes in an oven, Al and Manny rise to the occasion under heated situations.
“Whatever it takes to get the job done,” DiBartolo said.
Agigian explained that keeping it rated PG was a little tough. “There are a lot of bleeps on TV.”
The appearance is great publicity, but winning is the icing on the cake.
When asked if they win, DiBartolo responded. “Can’t tell you. You will have to tune in to find out.”
To see if Team Black takes the cake, watch TLC Tuesdays at 9 p.m.
