Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

NOTE - Here is another pre COVID-19 episode. I am happy to say that Frita's is back open and serve their delicious food. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe, c During this episode, we danced, we sang (well Marcia does) and I ate one of their famous Cuban Burger! More on Frita's Cuban Burger Cafe Website: http://fritascubanburgers.com Instagram: https...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Aaron Pearlman, the General Manager of Prime Steakhouse Key West. We talk about the restaurant's history, how they stay upscale, but with a relaxed island vibe, and how they keep their food consistently amazing in our tiny island paradise. A Message from Prime Steakhouse Finally a light at the end of the tunnel! ☀️With the latest update this Friday we w...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Master Framer, Jeff Rodriguez. Jeff is the co-owner of DE LA Gallery, located in Key West, FL and Charleston, SC, AND the co-owner of Art Warehouse, located in Key West. I visited Jeff at his Key West gallery where we talked about his wildly talented partner, photographer/artist Jorge de la Torriente, how they met, and how they turned a dream into a thr...

**NOTE** This episode was recorded in December, 2019. During the Coronavirus crisis, the Cuban Coffee Queen is open from 7AM - 3PM for takeout and still delivering all of Key West up to Cow Key Bridge. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with head barista and manager, Irena Dalton at the iconic Cuban Coffee Queen. We talk about how the brand began, and how they are keeping locals and Key West...

**NOTE** This episode was recorded in November 2019 and published on my other podcast, The Songwriters Podcast. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer, songwriter, guitarists, storyteller, sailor and road warrior, Scott Kirby. We talk about his long career as a musician, and where he goes for writing inspiration, and how a little bit of luck took him a long way. More on Scott Website:...

This episode was recorded months before COVID-19 happened, and Social Distancing was the new catchphrase. I spoke with their team today and they wanted to let you know that they are OPEN FOR BUSINESS from 12pm - 8pm every day for TAKE OUT ONLY during the crisis. Location: 1105 Duval Street, Key West, Florida In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Robin Bartley, the head ice cream maker. We t...

This episode is a first for me. As some of you may know, I record these episodes months in advance and have collected 6 months' worth of podcasts to put out. With times like this, I reached out to Scott Atwell, the Executive VP & CEO of the Key West Chamber of Commerce to bring you as many helpful tips as we can for your business. We recorded this episode on April 2nd, and it is airing on April 3r...

***NOTE*** This episode was recorded months ago before the Coronavirus began. If you like this episode, even the tiniest bit, please reach out to Rodriguez Cigars and order from him online to help support: https://rodriguezcigarskeywest.com Use promo code:   FAMILIA to get 20% off. In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with a third generational owner of Rodriguez Cigars, Danny Difabio. We talked...

Hi everyone! This episode was recorded months before all this Coronavirus-mania all started, but gives a little insight into things to come when we get back to normal :-) ***PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RESTAURANT*** In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Courtney Wilson and Jenny Robinson of Mellow Cafe and Gastropub. More on Mellow Cafe You're looking for something new. Well, th...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alex Risius (Assistant Program Director) and Mill McCleary (Executive Program Director) to talk about the data behind what's happening to our coral reefs. We talk about how Reef Relief® is making a difference on a global scale, and how tiny changes you make, can make a big difference to our oceans. Reef Relief® is a nonprofit membership organization ded...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Len Johnson, the co-owner of Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant , to talk about where Len's wife Dani gets her inspiration as head baker, and how she "tested" her recipes on all their dinner guests. We talk about the genius behind the restaurant's name (it was all Dani's idea), how they had the "guts" to even start this business after the recession,...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local brand creator and artist Cristina Velardi. We talk about where the vision of the brand came from, how she ended up at the Art Shack, how she got started in screen printing, and how patience has been her biggest strength. More on Cocky Key West Basic is for the (other) birds.  Cocky Key West  is for the weird and proud. CockyKW is a Key West based...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with yogi, chef, and all-around awesome person, Sofia Artola. We talk about the transition going from student to teacher to business owner, moving locations (twice), and incorporating the cafe into the space, creating a full organic experience. More on Shakti Yoga Shakti Yoga is committed to offering you sound, wise instruction in a context that honors the a...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with celebrity chef Graham Dailey of the famed Cafe Marquesa. We talk about his early beginnings at the Peninsula Grill as the Executive Chef, to professional kitchens in New York City, where he worked under well-known Chef Anthony Bourdain. Later on, Chef Graham moved to Paris and became the first American to apprentice at the Michelin star-rated Hotel Lute...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the family (almost the entire family) behind Tropical Vibes Cones & Bowls. We talked about family values, how the business got started, and how their love for the community is the driving force for the business. More on Tropical Vibes A one of a kind, eco-friendly company, family and 🇺🇸 veteran-owned Ice cream shop. Happily serving Brazilian Açaí Bowls,...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Michael Halpern to talk about life at the famed Southernmost House, his wife's beautiful foundation ( Michelle's Foundation ), and the wonderful things the B&B is doing for the community. We share some NYC stories, revel in how kindness and old school morals matter, and how Michael pulled off the cleanup of the "quiet end" of Duval Street. More on The S...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Raymond Vazquez of the famed real estate brokerage firm, Truman & Co. We talk about oil spills, fly fishing, and of course Real Estate :-) More on Raymond: Raymond has been assisting buyers & sellers since 2005. His diverse background means he is one of the few real estate agents who truly understands their role as a Broker/Associate. His market knowled...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going. We find out how he got started with music and how he is constantly working to "sharpen the sword" of his craft. This is one of my favorite interviews so far because Nick is so easy to talk to and talks about his career as an open book.  More on Nick Norman Immediately reco...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alessandra Torre, an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-two novels. We talk about how a summer project turned into her first novel, and how tweaking a couple of words on the Amazon description had her go from 10 sales per day to over 2000 per day. If you are interested in writing a book, publishing, or how to even get st...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the CEO/ Co-Owner George Fernandez.   W e talk about the more than 60 different species of butterflies and rubbing elbows (more like beaks), with Rhett and Scarlett at the Flamingle (a meeting with 2 local flamingos).   George explains how they delight all or your senses with sounds, colors, aromatherapy smells, and of course, wonder! Learn about how th...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matthew Nooner and Raymond J. Vazquez, the owners of The Local, Butcher & Market. We talk about where the idea came from (hint, it was over drinks), and how Matt and Raymond went from idea to execution. If you are in a family business or work with loved ones, this episode is a good one because we go behind the scenes on how to navigate working and livin...

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about a whole lot of live music. We talk about his involvement in the Songwriters Sessions, Songwriters Festival , and his own creation, Mile 0 Fest . Kyle and his family were living, what most consider to be a "comfortable life," but something was missing. After falling in love with Key West, Kyle sold it all and took his love for mu...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mark Certonio, the creator of the Key West Food & Wine Festival. We talk about when the festival was created, and what his driving force was to take on such a big undertaking. Mark also gives a great overview of what to expect as an attendee, and how you better get your festival tickets before they're all gone (he's not joking). Mark also sits on the ex...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of UVA Wine Shoppe, Mark Gambuzza. We talk about why he made his move down to Key West and how he got started in the wine business. Mark provides some great insights on how being patient and putting his customer first has not only benefited his business but his overall way of life. Main takeaway: Happiness is the new ROI in life. More on UVA -...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Eric Anfinson. We spoke about how the first time he picked up a paintbrush he hated the result but fell in love with the process. It was this love of "doing" that had him coming back for more, eventually creating a fan base around the world. I particularly LOVE this episode because it touches on how important the process is.  If all you care abou...