January 2022 – Backyards of Key West

A Sit Down With Philip Spottswood of Tavern N Town

January 28, 2022
Tagged as: Backyards of Key West Podcast, mark baratto, Philip Spottswood, Tavern N Town

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 front of our Tapas Theater Kitchen, where you can watch as our brilliant chefs embellish international favorites with the unique flavors of Old Key West.

Website: https://www.tavernntown.com

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

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

Satisfying My Sweet Tooth with Caldwell Cookies

January 21, 2022
Tagged as: backyards of key west, Caldwell Cookies, Desirae Caldwell, Key West Cookies, mark baratto

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
[email protected]

Website: https://caldwell-cookies.square.site

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

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

Cocky Key West’s Cockiest Sandbar Party to hit the Keys

January 14, 2022
Tagged as: Cockstock, Cocky Key West, Cocky Key West Party, mark baratto

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 Cocky Key West, you can visit HERE.

Cocky Key West Website: http://cockykw.com

Music Festival Talk with Kyle Carter of Mile 0 Fest & RokIsland Fest

January 7, 2022
Tagged as: Backyards of Key West Podcast, key west, Kyle Carter, mark baratto, Mile 0 Fest, RokIsland Fest, Songwriters Festival, Songwriters Sessions

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.

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 grassy hill, every ticket level is sure to thrill.

When can I buy tickets to this incredible event?

Packages and Passes go on sale Monday August 9th, 2021 10 am EST. BE READY TO BUY, this is a small capacity show and tickets will go FAST (4,000 capacity venue…small island, cozy venue, BIG TIME ROCK & ROLL!)
Follow us on social media @rokisland for the latest news!

Website: https://www.rokislandfest.com

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

Facebook: https://facebook.com/rokislandfest

More on Mile 0 Fest

Mile 0 Fest was founded in 2017, with it’s first year of production being 2018. It was created on the principal of producing a festival that checked all of the boxes:

Fantastic Line-Up – that has repeat and fan favorites back every year, but also brings in new faces, and fresh talent. The best in Red Dirt Americana
Location, Location, Location – A destination that was enjoyable for everyone! Key West has everything, beaches, fishing, water-sports, history, shopping, dining, dancing, its the perfect vacation.
Fan Bliss – A festival that puts the fans first. No overcrowding here, we are a boutique festival with an attendance cap. Over a short period of time our attendees have become family. With almost every state represented, music fans from all over the country come together once a year to celebrate the common thread that binds them. The Love of great music.
Flexibility – You want to come VIP and have all of your lodging, passes and extras taken care of with a one-stop shop? You got it! We have an incredible concierge staff that can make that happen. You want to book everything yourself and just get a pass to the festival? We can do that too! (Check out the Packages and Passes page for more detailed information)

What is Mile 0 Fest? Mile 0 Fest is 5 Day Red Dirt/Americana Music Festival in Paradise (aka Key West).

When is Mile 0 Fest? It is held annually in January, with the dates announced late spring the year before and the line-up announced in July every year.

Where is Mile 0 Fest? Mile 0 Fest is held in Key West, Florida. We utilize numerous stages all over the island with our biggest stage being the Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater. Local venues like The Smokin’ Tuna, Dante’s Pool Bar & Restaurant, The Southernmost Beach Resort & Cafe, The Southernmost House, Sunset Pier, Key West Theater, The San Carlos Institute, Fury Cruises and many more are also utilized through out the week to provide ample opportunity to check out Key West while enjoying your favorite Red Dirt/Americana Artists.

Who Plays Mile 0 Fest? Only the best in Red Dirt & Americana. Past year’s performers have included, Jason Isbell, Whiskey Myers, Robert Earl Keen, Lucero, Trampled By Turtles, Turnpike Troubadours, Shinyribs, Mike & The Moonpies, Jamie Lin Wilson, Jamie Wyatt, John Moreland, John Fullbright, American Aquarium, Senora May, Will Hoge, Hayes Carll, The Great Divide, Cody Canada & The Departed, Bonnie Bishop, Todd Snider, Paul Thorn, Pat Green, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Walt & Tina Wilkins, Jason Eady, Courtney Patton, Shane Smith & The Saints and many more. 2022’s Line-Up will be announced in July 2021. Click HERE to see past year’s line-ups.