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.

World tour

Chayhana Vostok Brings the Flavors of Uzbekistan to Sarasota

The restaurant makes terrific dumplings, great grilled meats and many other central Asian specialties.

02/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Gift Guide

You Can Find Indulgent Valentine's Day Chocolates at These Six Shops

Looking for last-minute sweet treats for this weekend? Here's where to go.

02/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Date Night

These 11 Restaurants Are Offering Special Valentine's Day Meals

Whether you want to eat out or pick up a meal for two to eat at home, here are 11 solid options.

02/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

The Spot in Bradenton Is Another Top Choice for Birria Tacos

If you haven't yet experienced the birria taco craze, here's another opportunity.

02/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Birthday Party

Daiquiri Deck Is Celebrating Its 10th Year on St. Armands Circle

The three-day fiesta will include deals on food and drinks, plus live music, raffles, a blood drive and more.

02/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Swag Bag

Mattison's Is Hosting an Online Sweepstakes and Photo Contest This Month

Chef Paul Mattison hopes to highlight the humanely raised, sustainable meat produced by Niman Ranch.

02/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Game On

Where to Pick Up Great Game Day Grub for Super Bowl Sunday

Whether you're rooting for the Bucs from the comfort of your couch or totally indifferent to the outcome of the big game, we've got recommendations for a fun feast.

02/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

True love

Want a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner at Waffle House? You'll Have to Go to Punta Gorda

The Punta Gorda Waffle House is one of more than 200 around the country that are offering special romantic meals this year.

02/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The pandemic

Remote Learning Has Challenged Students, Teachers and Parents Alike

Roughly one out of every five students is currently participating in remote learning in Sarasota County.

01/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Triple Threat

New Seafood Restaurant From Gecko's Team Opens Soon

Tripletail Seafood & Spirits will open in The Landings in the second week of February.

01/28/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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