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.

By the numbers

Restaurant Sales Dropped 24 Percent Last Year

And while spending is expected to rise again in 2021, it is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels.

01/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Meet Cute

The Cheesecake Cutie Brings Sandwiches, Charcuterie and, Yes, Cheesecake to Holmes Beach

Jennifer Geils has turned her mother's cheesecake recipe into a popular Anna Maria Island business.

01/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar Has Opened

The much-anticipated new restaurant from Lila chef Ryan Boeve is located at 1660 Main St. in downtown Sarasota.

01/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

New Pan-Asian Restaurant Opens Near University Town Center Mall

Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi's menu draws from the food of Japan, China, Korea and Thailand.

01/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The best part of waking up

Bradenton Company Brings Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans to Your Doorstep

Banyan Coffee Co. sells single-origin beans that come from all over the world and are roasted right before they hit your kitchen counter.

01/21/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's make a deal

Michael's on East Expands Catering Offerings

Michael's is now on the list of approved caterers at the Powel Crosley Estate, the Bradenton Area Convention Center and the Premiere Sports Campus.

01/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Museum Dining

Take a Break From Gazing at Paintings at Two New Museum Restaurants

Museum restaurants must offer a wide enough selection of dishes to appeal to the masses and get you in and out in a jiffy, but they also can’t skimp on flavor. Here's our review of two local ones.

01/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Local Lawmakers Vote Against Impeaching President Trump

Reps. Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube both opposed the effort to remove Trump from office for inciting violence last week.

01/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

E. Scott Osborne Battles for Gender Equality in Sarasota and Across the Globe

“Gender inequality is bad for everyone. It’s bad for men. It’s bad for women. It’s bad for societies.”

01/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Change of Direction

How a Sarasota Catering Business Shifted Into a Meals-to-Go Operation

When the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to much of Zildjian Catering & Consulting's events catering business, the company ramped up its takeout division.

01/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

After Mob Storms Capitol, Local Officials Split on Challenging Results of the Presidential Election

Rep. Greg Steube voted against certifying the results of the 2020 election, while Rep. Vern Buchanan voted to accept them.

01/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Flavor town

Restaurants Will Offer Signature Dishes as Part of 'Original Eats' Program

The goal of the two-week event is to highlight the variety of cuisine in the area and to encourage customers to order from local, independent restaurants.

01/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

That's Amore

Amore Restaurant Reopens in New Space Next Week

The Portuguese and Italian restaurant has moved to a new location near downtown Sarasota.

01/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Home Gym 2.0

How to Set Up the Perfect Home Gym

What you need to create the perfect workout room.

01/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants on Anna Maria Island

With everything from fine dining palaces to low-key burger shacks, Anna Maria Island provides plenty of options for great food.

01/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Glow in the dark

Sarasota's Pineapple Drop May Be Canceled, But You Can Still Take a Selfie With the Pineapple

The city's annual New Year's Eve block party isn't happening, but you can still have some pineapple fun.

12/31/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The New Healthy

How to Make 2021 Your Healthiest Year Yet

From enrolling in a Zoom fitness class to consulting with a genetic counselor, we’ve compiled dozens of ways for you to make 2021 your best ever.

12/29/2020 Edited by Cooper Levey-Baker Illustrations by Jordan Kay

Start the countdown

Ten Sarasota Restaurants Serving Special New Year's Eve Dinners

Lots of local restaurants are open for New Year's Eve. Here are 10 that are doing something a little special.

12/29/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

New Pizza Franchise Opens in Nokomis

The new Marco's Pizza joins existing locations in North Port, Englewood, Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

12/23/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

What's It Worth?

Lakewood Ranch's Certified Collectibles Group Specializes in Evaluating Rare Items

The business of buying and selling ancient coins, vintage sports cards, rare trading cards, classic comic books and old paper money is booming.

12/22/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker