If you have ever wondered what people do around here or wanted to know the story behind a restaurant, bar or local business, this is exactly why I created the Backyards of Key West Podcast.
So sit back, relax and enjoy as you learn the stories behind what makes Key West so magical. To listen from your computer, click on any of the episodes you want, or click on your favorite app below!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 daily basis.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 :).
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!
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.
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 alcohol with aloe and transmission gel, used in ultrasounds.
Menta gave away the 3-oz bottles around town to service workers, retailers, mail carriers, and anyone else hard at work in Key West during high season for tourists.
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.
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!
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 😎."
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 is still going on!
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.
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!
Selfiemost Point
