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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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:…

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 &…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with owners and mother-daughter powerhouse, Jasmin 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! More on AMRI We are an ethical and sustainable day…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…