Cooper Levey-Baker has written about food, politics, civic issues, the arts, and music in Southwest Florida for 15 years. His work has won multiple awards from the Florida Magazine Association and the Florida Society of Professional Journalists, as well as an honorable mention from the Julia Child Foundation. Follow him on Twitter: @LeveyBaker.

Hop on the Trolley

New Progressive Dinner Series Highlights Wine and Food Pairings

The Blend is a new series of dinners organized by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.

06/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dark Matter

Magical 'Queen of the Night' Flowers Are Blooming All Over Sarasota

The flowers bloom only after dark, and for only one night each year.

06/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

History Glass

New Beer From Big Top and Gecko's Celebrates Sarasota County's Centennial

The beer, made with a pink grapefruit infusion, will be available at Gecko's restaurants beginning Monday, June 7.

06/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🏗️🚧🦺🧰🔧🧱👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

Selby Gardens Breaks Ground on New Downtown Campus

Work will start later this year on the first phase of what will be a massive overhaul of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

06/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Two of a Kind

Two New Restaurants Are Offering Creative Spins on Asian Cuisine

Kojo, which took over the former Lemon Tree Kitchen space, and K-Nam Korean BBQ & Sushi take a unique approach to tried-and-true favorites.

06/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dram band

Special Four-Course Meals Will Pair Bourbons and Bites

Sarasota's Baker & Wife is offering a special menu, with two seatings, on Sunday, June 13.

05/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

In Conversation

Tihda Vongkoth on Anti-Asian Hate, the Music World and the Risk of Speaking Out

'It is possible to be your authentic self, pursue the music that you really believe in and be anti-racist.'

05/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bookmark This Page

Here Are All the Restaurants Participating in Savor Sarasota This Year

You can win $50 restaurant gift cards this year by posting about Savor Sarasota on Instagram.

05/24/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Deals

The Bijou Café Has a New Owner

Sharon Carole of Sage recently bought the beloved downtown Sarasota restaurant.

05/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

When I Dip You Dip We Dip

Melting Pot Adds New 'Best Fondue Friends Forever' Specials

The restaurant's "BFFF" menu is offered every Wednesday.

05/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

New Law Lets Restaurants Continue Selling Alcoholic Drinks Via Takeout and Delivery

The measure makes permanent emergency orders that were created to help restaurants struggling because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

05/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Longboat Living

The Evolution of Whitney's

What started as a casual, serve-yourself kind of place has evolved into a full-service sit-down restaurant.

05/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Potable Kombat

Picking the Region's Best Drinking Water Was Harder Than You Might Expect

I leaped at the chance to be one of five judges asked to determine the best drinking water in a five-county area.

05/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Future of Fish

Proposed Aquaculture Facility in the Gulf of Mexico Draws Opposition from Sarasota Environmentalists

Suncoast Waterkeeper founder Justin Bloom says waste from the facility could worsen red tide.

05/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food News

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Adds 'South of the Border' Summer Specials

The new offerings include a watermelon jalapeño margarita, carne asada tacos, a shrimp burrito and more.

05/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

New Rules for 'Hotel Houses' Receive Final Approval

The new rules limit the number of guests who can spend the night in a vacation rental and require the owners of the properties to register with the city.

05/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Sarasota Extends Rules Allowing On-Street Dining

A number of restaurants have taken advantage of the option, but concerns over the cost and the loss of parking spaces for retail shops prompted the city to revisit the program.

05/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker