Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Billy Kearins of Coast Projects. We talk about his humble beginnings, his love of Folk music, and how his local Key West shirt company is setting up to make some giant waves. Also, be on the lookout for Billy's film, "Keasy Rider" which comes out on September 17th at Tropic Cinema for the 72 Hour Film Challenge. What is COAST? We get that question a lot. And the truth is, it’s hard to explain — not because it’s abstract — but more so because you can look at it from many angles, and you can take from it as little or as much as you want. Sure, we’re about bikes and boards and life by the sea — which is why we chose the purposefully ambiguously name COAST. But we’re about more than those tangible things that you see on the showroom floor and in the web store. COAST is, in a general sense, about life on the edge — where land meets sea and the spirit of exploration and unknowing meet the safety of the shoreline. At COAST, we build the goods we need to lead the life we

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Adam Russell, one half of the successful Key West Pottery, in his famed gallery on the doubly famed, Duval Street. The audio is a bit dodgy on this episode, but there were too many brain nuggets to not publish it. We talked about the artist journey and taking a leap of faith, moving cross country with nothing but a dream, and how his wife and co-artist Kelly Lever, got him started down the pottery rabbit hole. We also discussed how he got his massive Instagram following, and how we all need to let our "artist side" out more often. More on Key West Pottery Key West Pottery is a love story. Originated in 2009 by the artists Adam Russell and Kelly Lever, Key West Pottery (or “Honest Works Island Pottery” as it was originally called) was always meant as a joint endeavor between two creatives for one succinct purpose— FREEDOM. Freedom in all the obvious ways we conceive of it; free use of time, financial freedom, creative freedom, etc… The resulting decade of intense co

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tricia Coyne, the owner of the modern chef-driven Firefly restaurant. We talk about Fireball shots, Great White sharks, her Bubba Award, and how she took her restaurant idea from a college dream into a successful Key West hotspot. More About Firefly Restaurant Firefly is a modern, chef-driven Southern restaurant. They focus on using the best ingredients and a mixture of traditional and modern techniques to create the best possible versions of familiar dishes. Their extensive beer and wine lists feature the same attention to detail and unique products to create something that is at once old and new. They are located between Blue Heaven and Santiago's Bodega on Petronia Street. Tricia Coyne comes from a southern family from Louisiana and was raised in the foodie haven of Atlanta. With a love for the water and things with sharp teeth, she delved into a degree in marine biology from UCLA. After traveling the world to swim with sharks and work as a scuba instructor, she

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Keith St. Peter, the owner of Kojin Noodle Bar and once famed, "The Porch," on his new venture, GlitchCraft. We talk about why he and his partners are keeping the bar scene cool and scratching their itch by creating a place they love hanging out at themselves. It's all about the locals and the community at Glitch, which you can tell, is here to stay for a very long time. More on GlitchCraft by Keys Weekly Walking into Glitch feels like walking back in time, maybe into your best friend’s basement, if your best friend was the coolest nerd in the school. The massive leather chairs, a wall of action figures, stacks of board games and craft beers galore on draft make it a happy amalgam of past and present. It reminds you of being a teenager, but it satisfies the desires of the grown-up: a perfect espresso, a comfy chair, some (relative) peace and quiet. A departure from the chaos of downtown was part of the inspiration for this Simonton Street retreat. Owners Keith St.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Kristy Geary, the owner of Love In Bloom flower shop.  We talk about her days as a youngster at Sloppy Joes, how she took a leap of faith and jumped head first into a brand new business, and all her secret spots in Key West. MORE ABOUT LOVE IN BLOOM Love In Bloom Florist is a boutique flower shop that & has been locally owned and operated for over 10 years.  Kristy Geary followed her dream of moving to Key West in 2001. Kristy is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati Design Art Architecture and Planning school. Her background in 3 dimensional, 2 dimensional and digital design brings a unique perspective to the art of floral design. After planning the perfect Key West wedding from afar, Heather Lamaine and husband Matt moved to Key West in 2012.  Heather is the main contact for our couples who are planning their destination weddings. Our top priority is to understand their vision and then guide couples in the right direction to make choices in floral décor

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carol Wightman, one of the owners of the famed Marquesa Hotel to discuss, what it takes to run a successful hotel, some famed guests that have stayed at the hotel, and what the "hotel life" in Key West really looks like. Be on the listen for Carol's favorite places to dine (besides Cafe Marquesa), and some of her other local favorites. More on The Hotel Marquesa: 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 swimming pools. Time slows down at the Marquesa where a quiet retreat awaits those looking for luxury, privacy, excellent food and service. Hotel Website: http://marquesa.com Cafe Marquesa: http://marquesa.com/cafe-marquesa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marquesahotel Facebook: https://facebook.com/marquesa

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Craig Reynolds to discuss how he created a widely successful landscape architect business on our small 2x4 mile island. Craig's one of a kind hardscape and landscape design has set him up as HGTV’s Ultimate Outdoor Winner 2019. MORE ON CRAIG via HGTV's Interview Craig Reynolds has 22 years of professional Landscape Architecture experience. He began his education at Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree and continued on to complete a Masters of Landscape Architecture at The University of Florida. After college he worked for seven years at Raymond Jungles, Inc. engaged in all aspects of design and project management for estate gardens throughout South Florida and the Caribbean. In 2002 his experience inspired him to open his own design studio in Key West. He works throughout the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. Craig Reynolds was a fine artist and then a landscape architect. That combination of art and science is at the heart of each garden. The c

In our first episode, Mark Baratto speaks with Nadene Grossman Orr who handles all of the planning for Fantasy Fest, the Annual Key West Songwriters Festival, and many more events through her company We've Got The Keys. We go deep into why she moved to Key West and what she loves about living and working here, and some of her favorite spots in town to eat drink and be merry. MORE ON NADENE Nadene arrived in Key West Florida in 1991 just after Graduation from SUNY Geneseo. Looking back on her introduction to Island Life – she established a strong foundation with the best Key West jobs … Cocktail Server, Crew on the Catamarans, and Concierge! The 3 C’s! She learned the Island inside and out and made lasting friendships that grew into the professional relationships she has today with so many local business owners and industry professionals. So in love with the Island Lifestyle - Nadene turned her passion into Business in 2004 - establishing We've Got the Keys - Wedding & Event Planners for the Florida Keys.