Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alison Costello, the general manager at Old Town Manor in Key West. We talk everything B&B, how they handled shutting down during the pandemic, and their sister property, Rose Lane Villas. More on Old Town Manor Old Town Manor is ideally located steps from Duval Street in the heart of Old Town Key West. Along with a perfect Key West location, the top-rated bed and breakfast offers lovely pet-friendly lodging, historic gardens, and a delicious daily breakfast. Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, the Manor features modern amenities as well as beautiful historic gardens. Just a half block from famous Duval Street, Old Town Manor is within walking distance to all of your favorite Key West attractions, including Mallory Square, the Hemingway House and much more. We provide a delicious complimentary breakfast in our gardens each morning, including Belgian waffles, smoked salmon, and locally baked bagels and pastries. We are proud to be top-rated on Trip

In today's podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with general manager of Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Key West, Ray La Placa. We talk about the laidback surfer vibe, the new food menu, Ray's journey in the restaurant world, and Lucy's infamous scorpion tequila shot. More on Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Lucy’s causal surfer-themed bar & restaurant serves up signature coastal bites in hearty portions to meet your appetite for flavor. Our menu features chef-crafted daily specials and longtime Lucy’s favorites using locally-sourced ingredients fresh from the Keys. Margaritas, frozen drinks, and killer specialty cocktails and shots (ask about the Shark Attack and Scorpion Shot!), overflow from three full-service bars. Soak in those good Key West vibes from our patios, walkup bar, or a cool spot on our 2nd-floor gallery overlooking Duval St. No reservations required – just follow the fun to Lucy’s! We are also dog-friendly! Outdoor seating is available, reservations are accepted

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with wine buyer, manager and sommelier Julie Kushel. We talk about how she fell in love with wine and how she got her dream job working at Grand Vin Wine Bar. More on Grand Vin Wine Bar Key West's first & best wine bar, located on Duval Street. Enjoy delicious wines and cheese plates on our front porch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandvinwinebar/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandvinwinebar Location 1107 Duval Street, Key West, FL (305) 296-1020

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with co-owners and Ian Bires & Ana Tourino Bires. We talk about how they met and lived a traveling lifestyle, how Ian met his other partners Ryan Shapiro and Matthew Cohen, and how long it took The Docks to finally open. More on The Docks Restaurant & Raw Bar Locally sourced seafood, curated by our chefs & inspired by Key West’s historical fishing culture. Sister restaurant: @thirstymermaidkeywest Website: https://thedocksstockisland.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedocksstockisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedocksstockisland/ Open 7 days a week from 12pm to 9.30pm Location: 6840 Front Street, Key West, FL. 33040 (305) 396-7049

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Laura Massey, the chef, and creator of LoveGrub Grazes. We talk about how she got started as a chef, how she found her way to Key West, and the billionaire client she worked for ;) More on LoveGrub Grazes LoveGrub Grazes began back in 2014 in Laguna Beach Ca. as a small meal prep business and has expanded into a variety of services. Chef and owner Laura Massey eventually cooked her way to Key West and began creating beautiful pieces of art with meats and cheeses! Grazing platters are all the craze these days and here at LoveGrub Grazes we focus to bring you the best quality and most beautifully, hand-crafted platters as customer satisfaction is our number one priority. We also offer private chef services for all occasions, big or small.  Website: https://lovegrubgrazes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_lovegrub/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovegruborganic/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Sam Jindra, the local Fourth & Pride rep. We talk about how the brand started, where they are going, and how they are giving back. day's podcast episode is brought to you by ReviewPush. At ReviewPush, their main goal is to streamline and simplify online review management for businesses and brands; regardless of size or industry. You shouldn’t have to jump through numerous hoops with countless logins just to catch a glimpse of what your customers are saying about their experience with your business. To get more information on ReviewPush, visit www.reviewpush.com More on Fourth & Pride Fourth & Pride was founded in recognition of the spirit, vitality, and camaraderie of the famous East Village Pride Bars and their patrons, which openly welcome like-minded people of all orientations seeking to come together and imbibe with pride. Born less than one mile from the birthplace of Pride itself, Fourth & Pride is on a mission to change behaviors, con

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with blonde & brunette specialist, Tori Shank. We talk about how she got into hair up in Michigan, how she found her way to Key West, and her new hair and makeup studio, Salty Roots. Today's podcast episode is brought to you by ReviewPush. At ReviewPush, their main goal is to streamline and simplify online review management for businesses and brands; regardless of size or industry. You shouldn’t have to jump through numerous hoops with countless logins just to catch a glimpse of what your customers are saying about their experience with your business. To get more information on ReviewPush, visit www.reviewpush.com More on Salty Roots Studio Website: https://www.saltyrootsstudio.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltyrootsstudio & https://www.instagram.com/tori.saltyroots/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the team from Bluesail to talk about their newest employee Brittany Jones. What's great about this story is how Brittany and her husband quit their jobs, bought a boat, and moved to Key West. She met up with the Bluesail team when she signed up to take Captain lessons, which turned into a lot more than she expected! Today's podcast episode is brought to you by ReviewPush. At ReviewPush, their main goal is to streamline and simplify online review management for businesses and brands; regardless of size or industry. You shouldn’t have to jump through numerous hoops with countless logins just to catch a glimpse of what your customers are saying about their experience with your business. To get more information on ReviewPush, visit www.reviewpush.com More on Bluesail Vacation Yachts Previous podcast episode: https://backyardspodcast.com/bluesail-vacation-yachts/ Website: https://www.bluesailcharter.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNQnB6TW6aq3F8t

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with jewelry creator Karen Moore of Zen by Karen Moore. We talk about her past corporate life, when she began designing her jewelry, her inspiration, and of course her husband's blue eyes :) Today's podcast episode is brought to you by ReviewPush. At ReviewPush, their main goal is to streamline and simplify online review management for businesses and brands; regardless of size or industry. You shouldn’t have to jump through numerous hoops with countless logins just to catch a glimpse of what your customers are saying about their experience with your business. To get more information on ReviewPush, visit www.reviewpush.com More on Zen by Karen Moore Nature surrounds in the Florida Keys - where the sun, breezes, shifting skies, and turquoise water combine into something like a second skin. Life is saltier and brighter in this part of the world. You feel more intuitive and vibrant here. It's a way of being that infuses ZEN by Karen Moore jewelry. Zen is what you see and e

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Conch Coin's co-founder Scott Harkness. We talk about how and why Conch Coin started, what the heck is a cryptocurrency even is, and how Scott and Andrew Norton (his business partner) are building a virtual Key West in the Metaverse. More on Conch Coin Conch Coin is a cryptocurrency designed for payments at shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, water sport rentals, excursions, merchandise, and many more businesses that are located in the Florida Keys and the Key West metaverse (coming Soon). The token is built on the polygon blockchain network and listed on Quickswap Exchange for purchasing and swapping. Lower fees than most credit cards and Conch Coin rewards Merchants for accepting Conch and we reward our Loyal Holders with passive income and Support Local Charities. Website: https://conchcoin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ConchCoin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ConchCoin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConchCoin Discord: https://dis

In this episode, Mark Maratto sits down with Keylum creator, Christian Velez. We talk about why he opened a second restaurant on Duval (Christian also owns Paradise restaurant), how business has been going, and what makes them different. More on Keylum Restaurant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keylumkw/ 1114 Duval St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040

In this episode Mark Baratto sits down as a guest on the Tiki Man Radio Show. It was fun being on the other side of the mic for a change as we scratched the surface on how I began the Backyards of Key West brand, the podcast and created the art that I sell in our gallery located at The Shops at Mallory Square in Key West. Helpful links from the interview Tiki Man Radio Show: https://www.tikimanradio.com Backyards of Key West: https://backyardsofkeywest.com Video Tour of our Gallery: https://youtu.be/QwalgzE4hOs Directions to the Gallery at 291 Front Street, Key West, FL: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Backyards+of+Key+West+Gallery/@24.5588275,-81.8092099,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xb1425f6c55278daa!8m2!3d24.5587609!4d-81.8067969

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matt and Lisa, the adventure seekers behind the YouTube show and the adventures of their Sailing Vessel "Bye Felicia." We talk about how the two met and how they are living their dream of adventure on the sea. More on Sailing Bye Felicia Sailing Bye Felicia is the story of Matt and Lisa, and their new Sailboat, soon to be named the Sailing Vessel Bye Felicia, currently in Key West, Florida. Watch as they learn their way around Bye Felicia through repairs and upgrades with the goal of sailing around the world! We want to share our lives to show and inspire others to take hold of their lives and live their dreams. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCgnl4HudxsHR17BVd3S12A Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailingbyefelicia/

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Canan Dilek, the designer and owner of Pera Company. We talk about how she started her Turkish towel company and how she made the leap from doing the farmers market circuit to opening her own store in the Shops at Mallory Square. More on Pera Company Website: https://www.peracompany.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/peracompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peracompanyllc An inspiring journey through beautiful, serene villages of the Turkish countryside truly moved me to share my passion for artisan Turkish Towels with you! On my trip the selfless and humble people left a lasting impression. The incredibly refreshing warmth and care experienced while meeting with families of weavers during my road trip mirror the craft of the pieces exactly. It was amazing to see the talent within those skilled, loving hands – the authenticity is unmatched! It was easy to fall in love with such soft and rich towels. They are made with Aegean cotton/linen blend and an intrica

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the incredible Don Oriolo. We talk about Don's career with the Felix the Cat franchise, his first encounter meeting John Lennon, his fond memories of recently deceased Meat Loaf, and a surprise visit from Felix the Cat himself ;) This interview bounces all around the spectrum of Don's incredible life... only scratching the surface! More on Don Oriolo & Zazoo Fine Art Gallery Don Oriolo is an American artist, musician, and writer best known for his work in the music publishing industry and for overseeing the Felix the Cat cartoon franchise after his father, Felix co-creator Joe Oriolo, died in 1985. Don Oriolo also owns and operates the Oriolo Guitar Company, a guitar, bass, and ukulele manufacture company whose products often feature Felix and other Oriolo-designed artwork. Oriolo has also authored a number of books featuring his paintings of Felix the Cat, whom he describes as his creative muse. Some of his music publishing credentials include writing Jon Bon

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Philip Spottswood, the director of Food And Beverage at Spottswood Companies. Philip took us on a tour down memory lane on how he built his business smarts though hard work and tenacity. He also gave us some insight on how the Spottswood Companies not only care about the community, but equally as much for the tourists that visit our city every day. This type of episode is my favorite because there are too many lessons to list. More on Tavern N Town Located just off the Grand Lobby of our hotel is the Tavern N Town restaurant – fast becoming one of Key West’s most popular attractions. Here luxury surroundings and the simple pleasures of life come together in perfect harmony. And here you will find as many reasons to linger as there are tempting items on our inspired menu. Your choices range from steakhouse favorites to the incomparable seafood bounty that has brought visitors to Key West for generations. What’s more, we welcome you and your guests to sit directly in

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with chief baker Desirae Caldwell of Caldwell Cookies. We talked about how a hobby turned into a dream job and how Desirae is balancing her business with her life, one cookie at a time! More on Caldwell Cookies Delicious handmade cookies in Key West, Florida Current price is $75/dozen kw_sball@yahoo.com Website: https://caldwell-cookies.square.site Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caldwellcookies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellCookies

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Cristina Velardi, the creator and designer of Cocky Key West Apparel, to discuss her first ever party called Cockstock. Cocky Key West is turning 5 years old in March! Come celebrate with us at the Cockiest Sandbar Party to hit the Keys. About this event Date and time Sat, March 5, 2022 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST Add to calendar Meeting Location Garrison Bight Marina 711 Eisenhower Drive  Key West, FL 33040 Purchase a ticket to hop on one of our party charter boats, or simply purchase a ticket to attend with your own boat.  Boat charter transportation provided by Barefoot Billy's and Salty Bottom Charters Musical magic all day provided by DJ Chaka of The Five Spot Food provided by Graze Craze and Dion's Quik Chik Serving up all of your CockyTails, will be the Tutu Queen herself, Jenn Stefanacci of 22&Co. The cockiest Bag-O-Swag Sandbar Games To get tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cockstock-2022-tickets-239188668747 For more on my previous episode on

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about a whole lot of live music... AGAIN!! The first time we sat together was on December of 2019 and a lot has changed (listen to the previous episode here). For one thing, Kyle and his team has added another festival called the RokIsland Fest, where the world's greatest rock bands come together to smash eardrums. More on RokIsland Fest What is RokIsland Fest? The world’s greatest rock bands descend upon the island of Key West for a 4-day music festival in paradise. When is RokIsland Fest? January 14th – January 17th, 2022! Do not miss the inaugural event, this will be the rock show of the year that you just cannot miss. Where is RokIsland Fest? The southernmost city in the U.S., Key West, Florida! We utilize the Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater, a beautifully designed facility on the Gulf waters of Key West. This boutique venue offers an unparalleled view from every conceivable spot; rather it is a VIP tent, or a blanket spread out on the gr

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with singer-songwriter Jeffrey Steele. We talk about how he fell in love with country music, all the musicians that influenced his style, and what he's up to lately. More on Jeffrey Steele Jeffrey Steele, is an American country music singer and songwriter. Along with recording his own material, Steele has become a prolific Nashville songwriter, having co-written more than 60 hit songs for such artists as Montgomery Gentry, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, and others. Between 1990 and 1996, Steele was the lead singer and bass guitarist in the country music band Boy Howdy, which recorded two albums and an EP on Curb Records, in addition to charting seven singles on the Billboard country music charts. After Boy Howdy disbanded, Steele embarked on a solo career, recording seven studio albums (one of which was not released). He also charted four singles as a solo artist, with the highest-peaking ("Somethin' in the Water") reaching No. 33 o