Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chef Ricard of the newly famed Lola's Bistro. We talked about how he got started, working with some of the top French and Italian chefs, why he chose to only have 9 tables and how he loves chatting up his customers as he cooks right in the corner of the restaurant. More on Lola's Bistro A new Italian eclectic BYOB restaurant with a bohemian vibe! Addres...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Michelle and Jessica Spottswood, the co-owners & "Tribe Leaders" of FYT Gym Key West. We talk about how the idea of the business was birthed, how they have grown so quickly, and why putting their customers first has not only created raving fans but has turned clients into friends; truly living that Tribe concept to it's fullest. More on FYT FYT (Find Yo...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott Saunders, the CEO, and creator of Fury Water Adventures Key West. We discuss how Scott almost flunked out of high school, quit college (the first time), and gave up on making anything of himself. To any outsider, Scott would have been considered a "loser," but it was that rock-bottom breaking point that caused him to go from zero to hero in one in...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down at the Key West Theater with Brianna Gangi, the Marketing Director of the theater and of Rams Head Presents-Key West. We talk about how Rams Head Presents is adding to the ever-growing music scene down here in Key West, and how up and coming artists are using Key West as a launching pad for their music career. More On Rams Head Presents Website: https://www....

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kassy Burnette and Stuart Damon at The Art Shack, a compound of art galleries and artist studios. We talked about joining the community, getting a studio spot at The Art Shack, and why Stock Island is starting to emerge. The Art Shack We are a community of artists in a beautiful tropical compound! A fun hidden gem & taste of old Stock Island. 6404 Front...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist, gallery and studio owner, Anna Sweet. We talk about how she went from photographer to artist and hit pay dirt, her humble upbringing (1 of 9 kids), and how her competitive nature keeps her humble, yet drives her harder than ever to continue to grow. More on Anna Sweet Anna Sweet's work marries a craftsman's approach to material with an Art Nouve...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Rich Pesce to talk about how he started his construction management business in Lower Manhattan months before September 11th, and how he became a real estate investor in three Key West Bed & Breakfast Inns: The Inn on Fleming , Coco Plum Inn Bed & Breakfast , and Key West Bed & Breakfast . We discuss the mindset needed when starting a business in one of...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with famed Chef Bill Hunt, the new head chef at the even more famous Smokin' Tuna Saloon. We talk about big changes happening at the Smokin' Tuna Saloon when it comes to their menu and how his Boston work ethic mixed with his trust in the people that work for him, creates a recipe for success The Smokin' Tuna Saloon Key West's premier bustling, open-air hang...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jenny Lorenz , the Director of Marketing at The Perry Hotel Key West . We go over why the Hotel chose Stock Island to call itself home, all of the expansion plans happening in November (2019), and the truth about booking your hotel with an online company, compared to going direct (HINT - you get free upgrades when you go direct). Attention Key West Loca...

Have you ever seen the movie "Chef" and dreamed of selling it all, buying a food truck and hitting the open road? In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down, (right outside the food truck) with Amy Clarke-Van Schoor, one of the co-owners of the highly addicting, Taco Grilla. We talk about how they got started and what really goes into the "Food Truck" life. More on Taco Grilla Born from the idea that...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Billy Kearins of Coast Projects. We talk about his humble beginnings, his love of Folk music, and how his local Key West shirt company is setting up to make some giant waves. Also, be on the lookout for Billy's film, "Keasy Rider" which comes out on September 17th at Tropic Cinema  for the 72 Hour Film Challenge . What is COAST? We get that question a l...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Adam Russell, one half of the successful Key West Pottery, in his famed gallery on the doubly famed, Duval Street. The audio is a bit dodgy on this episode, but there were too many brain nuggets to not publish it. We talked about the artist journey and taking a leap of faith, moving cross country with nothing but a dream, and how his wife and co-artist...

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tricia Coyne, the owner of the modern chef-driven Firefly restaurant. We talk about Fireball shots, Great White sharks, her Bubba Award, and how she took her restaurant idea from a college dream into a successful Key West hotspot. More About Firefly Restaurant Firefly is a modern, chef-driven Southern restaurant. They focus on using the best ingredients...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Keith St. Peter, the owner of Kojin Noodle Bar and once famed, "The Porch," on his new venture, GlitchCraft. We talk about why he and his partners are keeping the bar scene cool and scratching their itch by creating a place they love hanging out at themselves. It's all about the locals and the community at Glitch, which you can tell, is here to stay for...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kristy Geary, the owner of Love In Bloom flower shop.  We talk about her days as a youngster at Sloppy Joes, how she took a leap of faith and jumped head first into a brand new business, and all her secret spots in Key West. MORE ABOUT LOVE IN BLOOM Love In Bloom Florist is a boutique flower shop that & has been locally owned and operated for over 10 ye...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carol Wightman, one of the owners of the famed Marquesa Hotel to discuss, what it takes to run a successful hotel, some famed guests that have stayed at the hotel, and what the "hotel life" in Key West really looks like. Be on the listen for Carol's favorite places to dine (besides Cafe Marquesa), and some of her other local favorites. More on The Hotel...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Craig Reynolds to discuss how he created a widely successful landscape architect business on our small 2x4 mile island. Craig's one of a kind hardscape and landscape design has set him up as HGTV's Ultimate Outdoor Winner 2019. MORE ON CRAIG via HGTV's Interview Craig Reynolds has 22 years of professional Landscape Architecture experience. He began his...

In our first episode, Mark Baratto speaks with Nadene Grossman Orr who handles all of the planning for Fantasy Fest, the Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, and many more events through her company We've Got The Keys. We go deep into why she moved to Key West and what she loves about living and working here, and some of her favorite spots in town to eat drink and be merry. MORE ON NADENE Nadene...