***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 In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with a third generational owner of Rodriguez Cigar’s, Danny Difabio. We talked about…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Michael Halpern to talk about life at the famed Southernmost House, his wife’s beautiful foundation (Michelle’s Foundation), and the wonderful things the B&B is doing for the community. We share some NYC stories, revel in how kindness and old school morals matter, and how Michael pulled off…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Raymond Vazquez of the famed real estate brokerage firm, Truman & Co. We talk about oil spills, fly fishing, and of course Real Estate 🙂 More on Raymond: Raymond has been assisting buyers & sellers since 2005. His diverse background means he is one of the few…

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

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Alessandra Torre, an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-two novels. We talk about how a summer project turned into her first novel, and how tweaking a couple of words on the Amazon description had her go from 10 sales per day to over…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the CEO/ Co-Owner George Fernandez.   We talk about the more than 60 different species of butterflies and rubbing elbows (more like beaks), with Rhett and Scarlett at the Flamingle (a meeting with 2 local flamingos).   George explains how they delight all or your senses with…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Matthew Nooner and Raymond J. Vazquez, the owners of The Local, Butcher & Market. We talk about where the idea came from (hint, it was over drinks), and how Matt and Raymond went from idea to execution. If you are in a family business or work with…

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kyle Carter to talk about a whole lot of live music. We talk about his involvement in the Songwriters Sessions, Songwriters Festival, and his own creation, Mile 0 Fest. Kyle and his family were living, what most consider to be a “comfortable life,” but something was missing….

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Mark Certonio, the creator of the Key West Food & Wine Festival. We talk about when the festival was created, and what his driving force was to take on such a big undertaking. Mark also gives a great overview of what to expect as an attendee, and…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the owner of UVA Wine Shoppe, Mark Gambuzza. We talk about why he made his move down to Key West and how he got started in the wine business. Mark provides some great insights on how being patient and putting his customer first has not only benefited…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with artist Eric Anfinson. We spoke about how the first time he picked up a paintbrush he hated the result but fell in love with the process. It was this love of “doing” that had him coming back for more, eventually creating a fan base around the world….

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Chef Ricard of the newly famed Lola’s Bistro. We talked about how he got started, working with some of the top French and Italian chefs, why he chose to only have 9 tables and how he loves chatting up his customers as he cooks right in the…