Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

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 drought tolerant and low maintenance plants for both indoors and out. Design, arrangement and art business inspired by mehndi, plants, and snails. Located in Stock Island at the @artshack complex. Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 11am - 6pm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/undertheleafkw/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undertheleafkw/

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 Restaurant Website: http://www.restaurantparadisekw.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradise_restaurant_keywest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradiserestaurantkeywest/ It began with two brothers born in Miami, FL but raised in their family’s homeland in Medellin, Colombia. Christian Velez and Julian Velez, now 25 and 30, respectively. While living in Colombia, their family decided to move to Miami with hopes of building a life that included their dreams and visions. Once reaching the USA, their parents placed them in a soccer program known today as Kendall Soccer coalition, making great teammates that

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-dish dining as you enjoy the incredible views of the Historic Seaport inside our fully open-air restaurant! Often, you’ll see our very own fleet of boats unloading their catches of fresh fish, stone crab, and Caribbean Lobster! Website: https://conchrepublicseafood.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conchrepublicseafoodcompany/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConchRepublicSeafood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConchFarm

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://lagrignotecafe.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagrignote/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/La-Grignote-170784603348283/ OUR STORY: A FRENCH COUPLE LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM La Grignote cafe is family-owned by Joel and Babeth, a couple in life. After falling in love with the island on his first visit to Key West in 1995, and spending a year there, it took Joel 20 years to fulfill his dream to move there permanently. In the meantime he met Babeth, a french baker aspiring to open a bakery in Florida, and they opened "La Grignote" in September 2016. "We decided to make everything from scratch with high-quality ingred

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 for Spike TV's "Bar Rescue" and how he became "2012 Bartender of the Year." More on Russell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrrusselldavis Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrRussellDavis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrRussellDavis/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MrRussellDavis

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://www.instagram.com/fritascuban/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fritas-Cuban-Burger-Cafe-301558923350863/ Fritas Cuban Burger Cafe opened in 2014 with the goal of bringing the Cuban flavors of the “Frita” to Key West, Florida. Just steps from the famous Duval Street, Frita’s provides a variety of tastes and experiences. Relax inside the Cafe where, along with our signature Fritas, you’ll enjoy delicious traditional Cuban and fusion sandwiches as well as tacos. Complete your meal with our homemade pastries, scoops and shakes made with locally crafted premium ice cream. Cool down with a g

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 will be reopening our doors to our island friends & family! We will be running our September locals specials as well as half price stone crab claws

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 thriving business. This episode was recorded on the 3rd of March, right before the shut down for COVID-19 began. NOTE - Jeff and I recorded an intro on this episode that was recorded on Thursday, April 30th, to talk about the status of both galleries and how he is offering additional sources of income for digital photographers out there. More on DE LA Gallery Website: https://www.delagallery.com Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/delagallery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeLaGallery/ WHO WE ARE We’re photographer/artist Jorge de la Torriente and master framer Jeffrey Rodriguez. We

**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 tourists caffeinated on a daily basis. More on the Cuban Coffee Queen “One day in Cuba, I met a lady who made the best coffee and Cuban toast. She told us stories and showed me how to make a real cafe con leche. I will never forget the Cuban coffee Queen.” Website: https://www.cubancoffeequeen.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuban_coffee_queen_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CubanCoffeeQueenKeyWest Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeyWestCoffee Waterfront (original location!)284 Margaret Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: 305.292.4747 Pick-up only Downtown (corner of Southard and Duval)5 Key Lime Square Key W

**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: https://www.scottkirby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottkirbykeywest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottkirby.keywest Singer, songwriter, guitarist, storyteller, sailor and road warrior are all words that aptly describe Scott Kirby. Writing songs for a new CD, performing 150 live shows a year throughout the US and Canada, and holding down the stage at his own club—Key West’s Smokin’ Tuna Saloon—keep the barnacles off this modern-day troubadour. A creative lyricist and accomplished finger-style acoustic guitarist with an expressive voice, Kirby describes himself as a direct descendant of the ’70s s

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 - 8pmevery 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 talk about the love of sweet delicious Key West ice cream, which puts a smile on everyone's face

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 3rd, so we can provide the best up to date information. You may have heard my offering within this episode. Below is my email address, and if you don't have a website or social medial account and you are a Key West business, I am offering my service free of charge to get you up and running. You can email me at mark@backyardsofkeywest.com and we can have a chat about getting you up and running. Also, if you want to start your very own podcast, I put together a how-to guide found here: https://backyardsofkeywest.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/ Lastly, here is the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application link I

***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 about a number of origin stories, like how Danny's Grandfather coming over from Cuba, how the business made it down to Key West, and how it was Danny's destiny to take over the family business. More on Rodriguez Cigars In 1947, the Rodriguez Family began the masterful art of cultivating tobacco on their private plantation in the town of Siguaney. The tobacco plantation was called, La Finca de Carmencita. Located in the Las Villas province of Cuba, La Finca de Carmencita specialized in growing, aging, and curing filler tobacco leaves for numerous manufacturers thro

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, this is not-your-usual coastal fare – in a good way. That means uncommonly healthy, flavorful preparations, with a generous dose of inspiration. Check back for specials and seasonal updates. This menu never goes stale. Website: https://www.mellowkw.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellowventureskeywest/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MellowVenturesKeyWest

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 dedicated to improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem. Reef Relief® Goals Focus on rigorous science to educate the public & advocacy toward policymakers to achieve conservation, protection, and restoration of coral reefs Increase public awareness of the importance and value of living coral reef ecosystems  Increase scientific understanding and knowledge of living coral reef ecosystems  Strengthen grassroots community-based efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems Design, develop, support, and implement strategies for marine protected areas associated with coral reef ecosystems Encourage and support eco-tou

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, and how changing their client focus catapulted the brand. Be on the lookout for the Better Than Sex podcast, and don't forget to visit any one of their many locations to try, "Cookie Nookie Pie," Between My Red Velvet Sheets Cheesecake," "Peanut Butter Perversion," "The Morning After," just to name a few. More on Better Than Sex - A Dessert Restaurant Our dream began in 2003. As newlyweds, I was eager to make my husbands every desire a reality, so when he exclaimed to me “I want dessert!”, I wanted to impress!  Four hours later after patiently waiting, a fully decorated two-layer Oreo Cookie Cake appeared. Len was a

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 apparel company paying homage to our island's frisky feathered friends and proudly sharing the joys of humble living. For the artistic and eclectic keeping our island beautifully weird, the lifelong locals continuing to preserve the unique culture, all the confident bastards that chose to forfeit the norm, and our cocky little feathered mascots strutting through our streets. Humble living. Island pride. Anyone that has taken a trip to Key West knows that there is no shortage of strange on this tiny island.  A haunted doll, six-toed cats, and Fantasy Fest (the annual week-long celebration of individual fantasy and fetis

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 ancient traditions of Hatha Yoga. Our classes are nurturing, safe and non-competitive, with an emphasis on lightness and laughter when appropriate. Shakti Yoga's current class schedule focuses on Flow. Flow is an evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating intention, breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility, and “your practice with daily life.” Instructors weave together teachings that can inspire physical, energetic, mental, and pure bliss states of consciousness. Sofia Artola has been teaching yoga for 18 years. She is a graduate of the Sai Ayurvedic College and

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 Lutetia, one of France's most prestigious hotels; to now find his new home in Key West at Cafe Marquesa. More on Cafe Marquesa One of Zagat's highest-rated restaurants in Key West. No visit to Key West is complete without a trip to Café Marquesa, a local and tourist favorite Key West restaurant. For a memorable dining experience, Café Marquesa’s "Contemporary American Cuisine” does not disappoint. Specialties include grilled meats and fresh, local seafood, complemented by inventive appetizers and salads as well as fresh baked bread and desserts made daily. Diners at the 50-seat restaurant catch glimpses of kitchen theatr

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