Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Analise Andrews, the owner of Key West Food Tours. We talk about how she was raised in her Cuban grandmother's Key West kitchen and how Analise Smith pursued a career in the food industry by starting Key West Food Tours in 2014. Combining a love for food with her hometown of Key West, Analise created a 3-hour, highly entertaining narrative weaving the i...

In this episode Mark Baratto sits down with Ben Teague of Ben Teague Design. We talk about how Ben took a leap of faith and went from working in a bank to doing what he loves. This episode has a ton of gems for those of you out there looking to escape the corporate world to work in a business you love to do. More on Ben Teague Design Calling Key West home for 15 years. Creating custom interiors fo...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Jess Forsythe and Mike Kenna of Kenna Construction. We talk about how Mike got into the business, how he went from a classically trained chef to an expert contractor. We also learn how Jess acts as the glue to keep everything together and is the businesswoman that keeps the ship moving in the right direction. More on Kenna Construction Residential Renov...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Grant Portier, the owner and chef of Poké In the Rear, an Asian-themed restaurant in its open-air backside bar in the famed Aquaplex. We talk about where he came up with the idea for the restaurant, and how he is taking a grassroots word of mouth approach to marketing. More on Poké In The Rear Some like it a little, others like it a lot! Poké, Naan Brea...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Johnna, one of the owners of Cruisin' Tikis, and Captain Ryan. Johnna tells her story of going from the retired life to the Tiki life while actually on one of their famed Tikis. More on Cruisin' Tikis Key West ENJOY A TIKI CRUISE IN BEAUTIFUL KEY WEST, FLORIDACruisin' Tikis Key West offers a variety of cruises from 1 - 3 hours with THREE locations to ch...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artists Marianne van den Broek to talk about her amazing sand sculptures found around town in Key West. We talk about how Marianne began her journey as a sand sculptor, and how she turned a "summer job" into a passion project with a full-time residence at Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. More on Just Sand and Water Marianne van den Broek has been...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Nance Frank, the director of the Gallery on Greene. This is perfect for all you Key West history buffs out there.  We dive deep into the history of Key West homes, the people and the art. We recorded this episode in the fall, before COVID-19 lockdown happened.  I am pleased to say that The Gallery on Green is fully operational and taking visitors on a d...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of Salt Island Provisions, Laura Richardson. We talk about the origin story or Salt Island Provisions, how this island favorite is a hub for everything local; from salt to wine to honey to art. This spot is a MUST for every tourist and local alike! **Note that his episode was recorded before the COVID-19 lockdown, but I am pleased to say that...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chief TuTu wearer, Jenn Stefanacci. We talk about how this Jersey girl made her way down to the Conch Republic and how she created her cult-classic bar, 22&Co. This was one of my favorite episodes I did, not only because of how cool 22&Co is but how cool Jenn is... bringing that NJ flavor all the way south. **NOTE** This episode was recorded before the...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Scott, the owner of Bluesail Vacation Yachts & Sailing Academy. We talk about how he made the shift from working in Chicago to running a full-time business in Key West and what happened to his business when the Corona Virus struck. More on Bluesail Vacation Yachts Website: https://www.bluesailcharter.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNQnB6...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sings down with musician Joal Rush to talk about his musical origin story (more than 20 years ago), the time he puts into his music, and where he is headed. We recorded this podcast for the Songwriters Podcast many months before the COVID-19 lockdown. More on Joal Rush Born & raised in Camden, South Carolina, Joal Rush began his musical quest at an early age(singing,...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the co-owner of The Green Pineapple at the Perry Hotel, Rebecca Schwab-Talpas. We talk about her career start in retail, why she decided to open up the shop at the Perry, her yoga teachings, and her cookbook club :). This episode was recorded months before COVID lockdown and since then, Rebecca has taken most of her yoga classes online, so make sure to...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with local artist Jasmine Jones. We talk about how she got started and how she is making a life for herself as an extremely talented artist. This interview was recorded before the March 2020 shutdown, so Jasmine's classes are on hold for right now, but all her amazing art is for sale! Shop: https://www.oceanbluesstudio.com/shop More on Jasmin Jones Hi there!...

In this part 2 episode, Mark Baratto sits down with  Jenny Lorenz , the Director of Marketing at  The Perry Hotel Key West . We go behind the curtain in this interview, to get a first-hand experience of what all hotels had to go through during the pandemic, all the steps The Perry is taking to put their customers first, and how they continue to make changes for future growth. More on The Perry Hot...

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 proof...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Square Grouper creator and owner Lynn Bell. We talk about how they got started, their expanding location plan, and how they are navigating the restaurant business in a new COVID-19 environment. More on The Square Grouper Bar & Grill The Square Grouper Bar and Grill is located at MM 22.5 Oceanside on Cudjoe Key, Florida. One of the Florida Keys most popu...

This episode is brought to you by The Marquesa Hotel . The Key West Hotel Marquesa and Café Marquesa are the finest small Key West hotel and restaurant on our island. Set in the center of the historic district of Old Town Key West, the Marquesa compound is set around a lush interior garden and sparkling swimming pools. Time slows down at the Marquesa where a quiet retreat awaits those looking for...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with owners and mother-daughter powerhouse, Jasmine and Morgan. We talk about how they got into the business, how they work together in a family business, and how their passion for the environment, spills into everything magical they do! *A little note that this episode was recorded before COVID hit, but they are still open and living the dream! More on AMRI...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with owners Matt & Katie Wills of The Spice & Tea Exchange of Key West. This episode was recorded in December of 2019 and I wanted to wait for them to be back open after the COVID shut down. We talk about how they took a leap of faith to start a brand new business in Key West, how they work their family dynamic, and how a "little rub goes a long way 😎." Mor...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Steven, the food and beverage director for Matt's Stock Island Kitchen & Bar and the Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill at The Perry Hotel. We discuss how these two restaurants get all their amazing food, the incredible brunch deal, and what the heck a fishmonger is ;). This episode was recorded many months ago and I'm happy to say that the brunch deal i...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alex, the designer extraordinaire at Under The Leaf, located at The Art Shack on Stock Island. We talk about how she had the guts to jump headfirst into living her passion, some "kill proof" plants, and how such a tiny little plant could bring so many people so much joy. More on Under the Leaf Under the leaf is a plant shop specializing in beautiful dro...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Paradise Restaurant owner, Christian Velez. This was recorded before the pandemic shut down, and I hope they get as busy again as they were during this interview! This is one of the shortest episodes I've ever done because Christian was not only working the bar but helping take orders, serving food... this guy was really doing it all! More on Paradise R...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Casey Arnold of the Conch Republic Seafood Company. We talk about the history of the historic building, all the food options, and their infamous happy hour. Take note that this was recorded before the COVID lockdown, be as of June 5th, the bar at the restaurant will be open for business :) More on Conch Republic Seafood Company Experience true dock-to-d...

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with chef and co-owner Babeth to discuss how the business was affected during the COVID-19 shutdown, how this family-owned business is surviving, and some tips on doing the same. This is my first interview back after the shutdown and we laughed, shared stories, and I ate... a little too much! More on La Grignote Artisan French Bistro Website: http://lagrigno...

NOTE - this episode was recorded months before COVID-19 lockdown. I hope you enjoy this interview, and get ready for some new episodes soon, as Key West begins to open back up June 1st. This episode Mark Baratto sits down with celebrity mixologist Russell Davis. We talk about how Russell got into the business, how he rose up the bartender ranks, and how he because a celebrity Bar/Mixology expert f...