Walking in to Duff Goldman’s cake shop is an experience unto its own.

The star of Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes” didn’t choose some disconnected neighborhood to set up his famed “Charm City Cakes.” He opened his shop right down the street from where he lives, location undisclosed.

They don’t list their address anywhere on the internet because of what Duff calls his “superfans.” These are the people who see him on the street as he’s walking in to work — yes, he walks — and quickly surround him asking for autographs or to shower him with compliments.

He’s a modest man. He definitely doesn’t look like your average baker. He plays in a rock band, and when asked which he prefers — making cakes or making music — he can’t decide. Funny, considering he’s become known across the country for his amazing cake designs.

Everyone at the cake shop seem to be friends. There’s an intense bond between his employees. As I look around, I can’t help but think that it must be one of Baltimore’s best places to work. Without me really even asking, Duff begins to quietly tell me one extremely positive thing about everyone in the shop. He appreciates his employees, and they know it.

When the conversation really focuses on him, he seems uncomfortable to talk about himself for too long. He’ll crack a joke if things are getting too serious. It seems he doesn’t quite yet grasp why he has become so famous. He knows his cakes are good. But, in the mirror, he sees a guy who fell into a career and got really lucky in the process.

Take the most modest person you’ve ever met, add in an incredible amount of talent, subtract out any ego and you’ll get Duff Goldman.

Here’s a video of my afternoon at “Charm City Cakes.” Make sure you watch to the end to learn about a second location that Duff will likely be opening soon.

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