markbaratto

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Shots and Giggles owners Steve Kibbe and Hannia Rivera. We talk about how they got into the bar business and why they decided to open this local favorite.

More on Shots and Giggles

Shots and Giggles is located on the corner of Ann and Greene Street next door to Tattoos & Scars Saloon.  A local's favorite known for its intimate setting.  S&G features over 60 craft beers, fine wine and premium liquors.

S&G will be celebrating its 9th anniversary this Thanksgiving of 2021.

Owners Steve Kibbe and Hannia Rivera have been a part of Key West for over 25 years.   Steve arrived in Key West via Sacramento, California, however he is often seen around town in an Eagles jersey.    Hannia, a diehard Redskins fan, arrived in Key West via Annapolis, MD is often seen wearing  her "I hate Dallas" t-shirt around town.

As lifelong restauranteurs and bar managers, Steve and Hannia are fortunate to have realized their dream of owning this little piece of hidden paradise.  

Website: https://www.shotsngiggles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotsandgiggleskw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shotsngiggleskw/

201 Ann Street
Key West, Fl 33040 
T  /  305-414-8272

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Singer, songwriter, and all-around cool guy, Arlis Albritton.

We talked about his journey and how he got started in music (hint, it was the mailroom), navigating the Nashville writing scene, and how he is expanding his talent into the festival arena, with the St. Augustine Songwriters Festival:  http://staugustinesongwritersfestival.com

More on Arlis

Arlis started writing full time, getting numerous cuts on acts like Julie Roberts, Keith Anderson, Jeff Bates, Halfway To Hazard and John Michael Montgomery to name a few. More recently Luke Bryan cut “Too Damn Young” on Luke’s triple-platinum album Tailgates and Tanlines. Arlis also had the honor of co-producing his song “Good Morning Sunrise” on Jamey Johnson’s Grammy and ACM nominated album. Arlis saw some chart success with “Won’t Be Lonely Long” by Josh Thompson, reaching number 25 on the Billboard charts. Arlis’s songs have been placed in Nissan commercials as well as the television show “The Voice”

Website: http://arlisalbritton.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlisalbritton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlis.albritton

New Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1psqQliDkawXBWBTnoB6wi

In this episode of the Podcast, Mark Baratto sits down with artists Helen and Ben Harrison to talk about their gallery on White Street, but in a surprise turn of events, ended up talking about their life at sea. I think the below quote sums it up - enjoy!

"In the 1970s my husband, Ben, and I spent four years building a thirty-eight foot sailboat in Costa Rica, a massive project for two gringos in a foreign country. Starting with a bare hull, we designed and constructed this giant sculptural object of functional art using self-taught traditional wood techniques that set the stage for my present work. While traveling and living aboard, which we did for 11 years, I began my transition from boatwork to sculpture."

Read About Their Journey In Sailing Down The Mountain: A Costa Rican Adventure

More on Harrison Gallery

Located in the southernmost city in the continental United States, Harrison Gallery has become a local institution, earning a reputation as a destination for some of the best fine art in the area.

A privately owned and operated art studio and show space, the gallery was opened by Helen and Ben Harrison in 1986.

Harrison Gallery represents a select group of artists from whose work, along with that of the Harrison's, make the gallery a truly personal and unique artistic experience that should not be missed.

Website: http://www.harrison-gallery.com

Instagram: http://www.harrison-gallery.com/instagram

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrisongallery

Ben Harrison's music:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Hy8T1RUaoSDiLKqElGFV4?si=b0ZIGZSIQGi4b24_qEgylg

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Head Mermaid, Kristi Ann to talk about how she got the idea for the festival, and how she applied her savvy retail skills into her creation.

Save the date: July 1st - 5th 2021

More on the Mermaid Festival

The Key West Mermaid Festival is founded by a Key West native mermaid. She, along with her crew and pod, invite you to step back in time to an island called Cayo Hueso (Bone Cay), where the Gulf meets the Atlantic, and the captains, seafarers, and fishermen would tell their stories of the sweet sirens' songs.

This fin-tastic five-day event will unite the Key West locals and tourists, our neighboring Keys, visiting mermaid communities, and mermaid enthusiasts from around the world, on our magical little island. Family friendly, with fun for all, join us as we raise awareness for our beautiful oceans and educate all humans to swim safely in mermaid tails. #TheTakeOverIsReel we like to say, and we look forward to getting salty with all of the captains and mermaids who work hard to make Key West and the Florida Keys a better place for all who live the island life and our visitors.

Website: https://www.keywestmermaidfestival.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/keywestmermaidfestival

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Key-West-Mermaid-Festival-393132694482477/

This episode is sponsored by Backyards of Key West art :)

https://backyards-of-key-west.myshopify.com

In this guest episode, Alia Moore interviews Mark Baratto on the Blame it on Buffett Podcast.

This is an exclusive "role reversal" where Alia has me on as a guest on her podcast. If you ever wanted to know who the guy was behind the Backyards of Key West podcast, this is your chance!

More on the Blame it on Buffett Podcast

A podcast about Jimmy Buffett, Parrot Heads, Trop Rock, and all things escapism adjacent!

I had a great time chatting with Mark because not only did we talk about Key West and his awesome Backyards of Key West Instagram account and podcast, we also kind of geeked out about podcasting and marketing. I hope that if you have ever been on the fence about starting that podcast or other creative project, that this episode will inspire you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blamebuffettpod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlameBuffettPod/
Anchor.FM: https://anchor.fm/blamebuffettpod

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the artists and creators of Sacred Space: Lucy Hawk, Barbara Sage, Emily Shipman and Cristina Velardi.

We talk about how this group of powerhouse ladies found each other, how they support each other, and how Sacred Space was formed.

More on Sacred Space

Sacred Space is an artist collective representing 9 local female creatives.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredspacekeywest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacredspacekeywest

Keys Weekly: https://keysweekly.com/42/key-west-gallery-showcases-girl-power-and-art/

Location: 5700 4th Avenue Stock Island, FL 33040
Email: acredspacekeywest@gmail.com

Hours: 10AM - 6PM

Meet the Creators

Bella Laine by Emily Shipman
Website: https://bellalaineart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellalaineart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellalaineart

Whimsy Key West by Barbara Sage
Website: https://www.whimsykeywest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsykeywest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whimsykeywest

Lucy Hawk Art by Lucy Hawk
Website: https://www.lucyhawkart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyhawkart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyhawkart

Cocky Key West by Cristina Velardi
Website: http://www.cockykw.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cockykeywest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CockyKeyWest/

In the episode, Mark Baratto sits down with travel blogger Michele O’Connor to talk about how she started her blogging business and how she grew her website into a full-time business.

More on FunInKeyWest.com

Who are we and what do we know about Key West?

We are avid travelers.  Road trip is our middle name.  Any chance we get, we are on the open road.  We even have jobs that have us traveling around.  I guess you could say it’s a way of life.  A few years back, we ended up at the end of the road, A1A that is, and found Key West.  It truly was love at first sight.

We met in Alaska and since then have been looking for a place that reminded us of that frontier spirit… we found it in Key West.

As often as we can we travel back to Key West and enjoy every minute we have on the Island.  Our youngest lives in Florida, so it gives us a great excuse to stop in and say “hi” to him before we travel down to the Keys.  Our boys finally were able to take a trip to the Keys and now have been bitten by the bug…. the Key West bug… and they travel there as often as they can too.

Which brings us to why we have created this website.  We want to help you plan your trips down to Key West.  Notice I said “trips”?  You will want to visit over and over again …. trust us on that!  Reach out we are here to answer your questions and help you not be overwhelmed when planning your trip.  

Want to explore ideas on your own?  Check out our website.  Every one of our posts is written by us… which means, we only write about what we have done, seen, or been.  You get our honest opinion about a restaurant, bar, or tour.

Kevin is a wonderful photographer and most of our website is filled with his photos.  I use my iPhone and find it does a pretty decent job.  Also, I write most of the articles – so if you find grammatical errors or unfinished thoughts… let me know… I will probably blame it on tequila but will appreciate your input.

Also, feel free to comment.  We love to hear what you think.  Comment on a post or we have a very active social media fan base on Facebook and Instagram and would love to hear from you.  Give us ideas on where to go, food to eat and of course drinks to try.

Like most of you, we want to live in Key West full time and are working on that goal every day.  Follow my blog as I will keep you updated on the struggle …. and some days it is a struggle because we really want to be there instead of here.  Here we work long hours and have days filled with cold and snow in the winter months… unless we have escaped for a short period of time to the Island.

Website: https://www.funinkeywest.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/funinkeywest/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FunInKeyWest

Twitter: http://twitter.com/FunInKW

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLPjTyll8Sp59G9KhysTgeQ

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Carol Hill, the owner of the Yankee Freedom III Ferry to the Dry Tortugas.

This episode was recorded at the beginning of 2020 and Carol has a little cold, but don't worry, it wasn't COVID-19 :)

We talk about how Carol got into the business, all the hoops she needed to jump through to be the exclusive free to the Dry Tortugas, and how having a positive attitude always wins out.

More on The Yankee Freedom III

Journey from Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park & Fort Jefferson aboard the Yankee Freedom III Ferry!

Cruise in spacious comfort to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park aboard the Yankee Freedom III, a high-speed ocean-going catamaran specifically designed for carrying passengers safely across the 70 miles of open water from Key West to the Park. The Yankee Freedom II is 100’ long and 60’ wide, a broad and stable vessel certified to carry 250 passengers; however, to maximize the comfort of each guest, we limit each trip to 175 passengers. Our veteran captain and friendly crew will take you to one of the most unique and spectacular national parks in the United States: The Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, one of the top Key West attractions.

Website: https://www.drytortugas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drytortugas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drytortugas

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yankeefreedom

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HistoricTours

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Tom Carbone, the owner of Carbone's Custom Firearms.

We discuss how Tom got into the business and his passion for bringing firearm safety and understanding to the Florida Keys.

Whether you are a gun lover or not, this is a great episode to get the understand from someone who has been in the business for decades.

More on Carbone's Custom Firearms

The Florida Keys longest established Class 2 Manufacturer and SOT holder. Rock River Arms Inc Law Enforcement dealer in Monroe County. We have been supplying the needs of Military and Law Enforcement around the country. We are now open and ready to serve all residents of Monroe County and the country. Come to the only firearms business where we have walked the walk and talked the talk. No flash, no fluff.

Website: https://www.keywestguns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbonescustom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCFKW/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-r-carbone-86a26a1b/

6810 Front Street, Unit 2
Key West, FL 33040

Phone: 305-923-5455
ccfkwfl@gmail.com

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Key West City Manager Greg Veliz (before the Covid-19 pandemic).

We talked about Greg's journey from Conch to elected official, and all the bumps in-between.

I love and admire Greg's tenacity and hope this episode teaches you that anything can happen with the right attitude.

More on Greg Veliz

The City Manager’s Department provides executive leadership in the management of all departments and enterprises of the City. The City Manager reports to the Mayor and Commissioners and responds to the needs of the public by proactively seeking public feedback.

Website: https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/395/City-Manager

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Hillary to talk about how she became a stylist, how she made her way down to Key West, and why she decided to open her own Beauty Lounge right in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis.

This episode is loaded with inspiration and is worth listening to (whether you are into hair or not :).

More on Cayo Beauty Lounge by Hillary

Our mission is to inspire the community of women by offering a unique and refreshing vibe, while providing top notch hair care and focusing on what we do best. Beautiful natural looking hair that turnsheads.

Meet Hillary. Some call her the ‘hairwizard’, Hillary is the owner of Cayo Beauty Lounge. She prides herself on her innate ability to really listen to the clients wants and needs and turning it into a masterpiece. Her style signature look is creating a perfect low maintenance color that stays beautiful overtime. Hillary loves trendy hair with a classic and natural appeal. Her advanced cutting training has allowed her to give each and every woman a cut that suits their face, shape and hair texture.

Website: https://cayobeautyloungekw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cayo_beauty_lounge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cayobeautylounge/

CAYO BEAUTY LOUNGE
218 WHITEHEAD ST,
KEY WEST, FL, 33040
On arrival KEYPAD ENTRY 2181.

(504) 881-6046
cayobeautylounge@yahoo.com

Parking Instructions: Pay to park available in the Margaritaville Resort. Public parking garage. Off Street parking available nearby. Please allow 15 min to accomodate for parking. Salon is located inside the building. Privae access, down the hall to the left.

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with Analise Andrews, the owner of Key West Food Tours.

We talk about how she was raised in her Cuban grandmother’s Key West kitchen and how Analise Smith pursued a career in the food industry by starting Key West Food Tours in 2014.

Combining a love for food with her hometown of Key West, Analise created a 3-hour, highly entertaining narrative weaving the island’s history on a tasting walking tour, visiting five local mom-and-pop restaurants.

Today, Key West Food Tours offers its signature Southernmost Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, Seafood Lover’s Walking Tour, and the Key West Craft Cocktail Crawl, consistently receiving #1 in TripAdvisor’s Food and Drink category for Key West, as well as TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.

More on Key West Food Tours

Key West Food Tours was founded in 2014 to offer visitors of Key West a taste of authentic local culinary experiences while providing historical anecdotes, because, let’s face it, food tastes better when there’s a story behind it! 

Here in Key West, food is an art, and art is what we know best. We islanders are known to be laid-back, creative, wacky, & friendly. Well, the chefs are no different. 

We provide unique and original local culinary walking tours in a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible manner. Our goal is to create food memories that last a lifetime. By taking visitors off-the-beaten-path, you’ll discover engaging and knowledgeable local guides who are eager to share the most authentic and delicious version of Key West. 

Here at Key West Food Tours, our team and tour guides are dedicated to giving you the best experience possible, while filling your bellies up with local favorites. We want to show you what our island has to offer: A rich history with cultural influences, and tasty local food!

Website: https://www.keywestfoodtours.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywestfoodtours/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keywestfoodtours/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/keywestfoodtours/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/keywestfoodtour/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/keywestfoodtours
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/key-west-food-tours-key-west-2
Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34345-d7365669-Reviews-Key_West_Food_Tours-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html

Email: analise@keywestfoodtours.com
Call: 305-570-2010

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.

More on Poké In The Rear

Some like it a little, others like it a lot! Poké, Naan Bread Pizza, Wings, and things...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pokeintherear/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pokeintherear

Website (coming soon): http://www.pokeintherear.com/

504 Angela St, Key West, FL 33040
tel: +1-561-254-6798

Hours:
11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

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.

More on Just Sand and Water

Marianne van den Broek has been a sand sculptor since 1999. She has participated in many events around the world, working with different sculptors, learning from the best and continues to work with awesome people.

She moved from the Netherlands to Key West in 2005 and now runs her own sand sculpting business out of Key West Florida.

In addition to being the artist in residence for the Casa Marina Resort in Key West, she is a part-time educator and serves as the vice-chair on the City of Key West's Art in Public Places Board.

She loves being on the water and is a charter boat captain on the side.

Website: https://www.justsandandwater.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justsandandwater/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justsandandwater

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!

**Note that his episode was recorded before the COVID-19 lockdown, but I am pleased to say that Salt is still running at full steam!

More on Salt Island Provisions

SALT Island Provisions is a purveyor of fine goods handcrafted in and sourced from the Florida Keys.

We offer the indigenous essences of sweet and savory: wild honey and sea salt, harvested in small batches from the sun-kissed islands.

We believe in goods that are simple by nature and speak to the ‘spirit of place.’ It is our business to celebrate our island home by featuring local artists and artisans. 

Website: http://www.saltislandprovisions.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltkeywest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SALTKeyWest/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/salt-island-provisions-key-west

830 Fleming Street  
Key West, FL

305-517-6088
saltkeywest@gmail.com
Open 10am - 4pm Daily

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!

Shop: https://www.oceanbluesstudio.com/shop

More on Jasmin Jones

Hi there! My name is Jasmine Jones, I’m an abstract painter based out of Key West, Florida. I was born and raised here in Key West, growing up immersed in color. From the vibrant flora and fauna that thrive on the island, to the picturesque sunsets and ocean seascapes, there was always plenty for me to draw as a kid.

The colors that occur naturally in the Florida Keys have been my main inspiration for painting. Whether it’s in the ocean or in the sky, the way the colors seamlessly blend and combine to create infinite and unique combinations is my favorite part of living in paradise.

I create my artwork using a combination of alcohol inks, acrylic paint and resin layers to create a body of work with a greater depth than traditional two-dimensional paintings. Each piece I create is an original work of art, I do not make any prints of my paintings. I believe a painting should be as unique as the collector.

Website: https://www.oceanbluesstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanbluesstudio/

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.

Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

WHAT IS CHEF DISTILLED?

For centuries, Distillers have been making the sweet libation...Rum.  Some legal, some not so legal.

One common task shared by rum Distillers and Chefs alike is cooking sugar cane in big kettles or "stills." We are Chefs first and Distillers second, so our process is called Chef Distilled!

This combination of skill brings out the best flavors in our original white rums, made with Florida sugar cane and with infusions of Coconut, Vanilla Creme Brulee, and Real Key Lime. Our 6 times distilled specialty rums are sure to twist your taste buds on an adventure!

We are still "Chefs," so we jar rum cakes, fresh fruits, and savory vegetables. Why is our craft different, you ask?  Because homemade has no preservatives!

Taste History at the First-Ever Legal Rum Distillery in Key West Fla.  Chef Distilled means a whole new way to craft food and drink!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/GDVE3vuOEAM

Website: https://www.keywestlegalrum.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywestlegalrum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keywestrumdistillery

Location & Contact Infor
105 Simonton Street
Key West FLA 33040
info@keywestlegalrum.com
T  /  305-294-1441      

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 swimming pools. Time slows down at the Marquesa where a quiet retreat awaits those looking for luxury, privacy, excellent food and service.

This episode is also brought to you by ME 😎.

Less than a year ago I started taking pictures of my favorite homes in Key West, sharing them on my social media account called Backyards of Key West; showcasing them to fans around the world.

Since these adorable homes have been such a big hit, I decided to sell them as Limited Edition, numbered, signed, giclee print on canvas - all printed locally here in Key West,

Why not take a little piece of Key West home with you to hang on your wall!

You can find all the art at https://backyards-of-key-west.myshopify.com and can get 10% off any of the art by using the code: FRIENDS10

In this inaugural 52nd episode, Mark Baratto sits down with famed Key West influencers, Steven Dunbar, to talk about how he grew his massive Instagram account @VisitKeyWest, what trends he sees in social media, and how you can turn something you love into a viable business with just a little online perseverance.