Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of The Baklava Key West. We talk about how these delicious treats make their way from Istanbul to Key West daily and the inspiration behind bring this classic Turkish dish to Old Town. More on The Baklava Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/thebaklava.keywest/ Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090923799900 Location:   4...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with 2005 Mayor Morgan Joseph McPherson. We talk about how he turned his dream of going into the NFL into being a public servant. More on Morgan McPherson In 2005, Morgan McPherson defeated incumbent Mayor Jimmy Weekley and was the Mayor of Key West from 2005-2009. Area Advisory Committeeman, Boys' and Girls' Club of the Keys Board Member, Department of Juve...

In a remarkable display of unity and celebration, the vibrant island community of Key West came together to host the largest-ever pop-up parade to honor the legendary musician and local icon, Jimmy Buffett, following his passing. The incredible story behind this unforgettable event is now available in a captivating podcast interview hosted by Mark Baratto, a local artist and podcast creator, and f...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with fellow artist, Maggie Ruley. We talk about how she got started as an artist, how she made her way to Key West, and when she made the jump to full-time artist and gallery owner. More on Maggie Ruley Many people who love Key West could not live at their highest potential on a itsy-bitsy island.  If that's you, what do you do? Well, you vacation here whene...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owners of Key West's newest restaurant, Atlas Izakaya.  We talk about their inspiration for the restaurant, their experience in the industry, their tasting menu, and giving back to the community. More on Atlas Izakaya Izakaya means "stay-drink-place". It is a word used to describe the perfect spot to settle down and dine with company. We are a chef...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West local Nick Norman to talk about where he started, and where he is going in this previous episode REBOOT. 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...

In this exclusive interview reboot, Mark Baratto sits down with Rapper and Singer of the Dirty Heads, Jared Watson (aka Dirty J). This interview happened 30 minutes before the band went on stage for the beginning of their national tour, down here at the   Key West Amphitheater . It may have been short, but for those fans out there, we touched on the bands origin story and their beginnings. More on...

In this episode of the podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with the Kiteboarder, Chef, and owner/creator of the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery,  Paul Menta . We talk about how Paul took a number of chances when creating his rum distillery and how his "failures" help him find success. In a post-COVID-19 world, Paul saw how hand sanitizer was hard to come by, so made his own product mixing 140 proo...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with interior designer and self proclaimed vintage treasure hunter, Alexandra. We talk about her career as an interior designer, her mobile design studio and her new shop at the Shops at Mallory Square; right down the hall from the Backyards of Key West Gallery 😎. More on Boutique Alexandra Website:   https://www.boutiquealexandra.design/ Instagram:   https...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local musician, Reggae Lou. We talk about Lou's past, how he got into music, how he almost died (a couple of times), and how he finally found his groove. More on Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz Website:   https://www.reggaelou.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/reggae_lou/ Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Reggaelouandthekindbudz YouTube:   https...

Did you know that Bagatelle, Nine One Five Restaurant & Bar, and First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery are all owned by the same people? In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with co-owner Damian DeAngelis.  We talk about how he got involved in the restaurant business, which of the three were acquired first, and why he wanted to keep going until he had the one where it all started. More about...

In today's episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Frankie Flemming, Key West's top professional Makeup Artist. We talk about Frankie's experience on QVC, her world-traveling doing makeup, and how she landed here in Key West. More on Frankie Website:   https://www.frankiekeywest.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/frankiekeywest/ TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@frankiekeywest Amazon:   http...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with musicians from the band Homegrown. We talk about how they got started and why they love building their base in Key West. More on Homegrown Music Links:   https://linktr.ee/homegrownmusic Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/wearehomegrown/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/weare_homegrownband/ TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownband Spotify...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter John Goolsby. This interview was done over a year ago and was completely lost.  After some technical creativity, I was able to restore it and loved our banter back and forth, which is why I am releasing it! More on John Goolsby Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/johngoolsbymusic/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/lilgools/ New E...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Len Johnson, the co-owner of  Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant , to talk about what has been happing in their restaurant after being opened for 15 years! We talk about new locations, new menu items, and how Len and Dani keep their staff loving where they work! To listen to our first episode,  CLICK HERE . More on Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restau...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Farmer Jeanne Selander to talk about how the animal farm started, how it impacts the community, and Farmer Jeanne's love for all animals. More on the Children's Animal Farm Website:   https://www.keysso.net/farm Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/KeysAnimalFarm/ The Animal Farm is open, free of charge, the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 1...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter, Howard Livingston. We talk about how he started his career as a musician and how he is a successful musician with no agent or record label. More on Howard Livingston Howie actually did what many folks dream of doing: he gave up the workaday world, moved to the Florida Keys, and became a musician. He is a native of the mountains of eas...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tucker's Provisions creator, and managing partner, Kurt Matarazzo. We talk about the creation of the legendary apparel brand started, a little backstory on Kurt, and what's in store for the brand's expansion.   More on Tucker's Provisions Born from a time when people shopped for quality, Tucker's Provisions collects together objects and apparel that sta...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the creators of Artfully Keys, Lance Berry, Sara Pasqueretta, and Chris Anderson.  We talk about the Artfully Keys concept, bringing artists together, and trying to fine out #WheresErnesto MORE ON ARTFULLY KEYS Come Be Apart Of The Family! If you are an artist located in the Florida Keys that would like to get your work recognized nationwide without hav...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jordan, the marketing mind behind the brand new speakeasy, Follow The Rabbit. We talk about the concept, keeping the location secret and a rundown on what to expect. More on Follow The Rabbit Speakeasy Website:   https://www.followtherabbitbar.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/follow_the_rabbit_bar/ Hours:  Wednesday-Friday: 6pm-Midnight

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matthew Headley, the owner of Big Cheezees Pub and Grub restaurant. We talk about the restaurant's concept and how it made it down to Key West, the new menu and the music. More on Big Cheezees Pub and Grub Website:   https://bigcheezeespubandgrubkw.com/ Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/bigcheezeespubandgrub/ Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/Bi...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jacque, the General Manager of Amigos Tortilla Bar.   We talk about the origin of Amigos, how they got that killer location, and, of course, their delicious food. More on Amigos Tortilla Bar AMIGOS is bringing it back to basics. Traditional Mexican street tacos are a humble but flavorful affair – seasoned meats and fresh seafood on handmade corn tortill...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the team at Mighty Cock. We talk about why they all moved to Key West, their BBQ menu... and of course, the name :) More on Mighty Cock BBQ At Mighty Cock, our food is mighty crispy, fresh, and cooked to order! Our delicious recipes, marinades, and sauces pack a punch – try them all. Drop by for a quick bite and experience authentic Key West BBQ with a...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Josh, the bar manager at the world-famous Smallest Bar. We talk about why a month-long trip turned into a life-long love for Key West, how many people fit in the Smallest Bar, and some behind-the-bar stories ;) More on the Smallest Bar Key West Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smallestbarkeywest/ Facebook: h ttps://www.facebook.com/smallest.bar Loc...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with professional martial artist and owner of Bone Island MMA, Eddy Aguiar. We talk about how he got started in martial arts, his love for competing and helping kids fall in love with martial arts. More on Bone Island MMA Our mission at The KEY WEST PAL GYM is to create a relationship-based community that supports all who desire to better themselves through...