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.

Recipe

'Tis the Season: Tips for Making Great Eggnog

Even if you think you don't like eggnog, we have a feeling you'll enjoy this version.

12/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Covid-19

Sarasota Is Facing a Potential Eviction Crisis

With a national moratorium on evictions set to expire at the end of the year, local families who have lost income because of the Covid-19 pandemic could be left scrambling.

12/17/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Château By the Beach

New French Restaurant Coming to Anna Maria Island Resort

The Château Anna Maria will be the second location of a restaurant featured on the Food Network show Summer Rush.

12/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fresh Additions

Phillippi Creek Adds New Salads to Its Menu

The new offerings include a "Florida Cobb salad," a tuna Niçoise salad and a chopped salad topped with grilled shrimp.

12/10/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let me upgrade you

Turn Your Hanukkah Celebration Up a Notch With an Ultimate Latke Bar

Why limit your latke toppings to just sour cream and applesauce?

12/10/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

We've Got a Great Lunch Recommendation: Birria Tacos From Bombón

A special technique gives birria tacos a Mars-like hue and a unique richness.

12/09/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Curbside concoctions

Sage Is Now Selling Bottled Take-Home Cocktails

The restaurant's beverage director says the flavors are meant to "capture the distinct spirit of the holiday season in southwest Florida."

12/08/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Help Needed

Restaurant Association Says the Industry Is in 'Free Fall'

According to the National Restaurant Association, 10,000 restaurants have closed in just the last three months.

12/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Trunk Treats

Old Packinghouse Cafe Offers New Curbside Catering Pickup Option

The OPC is now letting you order Cuban items in bulk and pick them up with just a pop of your trunk.

12/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10,000 Steps

Explore Your City With These Five Walking Adventures

Learn some history about the community, see the sights and feel better, too.

12/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker, Susan Burns, Kay Kipling, Allison Forsyth, and Ilene Denton

10,000 Steps

Downtown Sarasota Is Perfect for a Long Stroll

Park in the shadow of the bridge to take in sweeping views of the barrier islands and urban skyline, and then start walking back toward downtown.

12/05/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A view to a Grill

Floridays Adds to the Area's Waterfront Dining Options

A Jimmy Buffett-themed hotel in Bradenton has a restaurant Parrotheads should love.

12/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Risky Business

In a Time of Uncertainty, a Number of Local Chefs Have Opened New Eateries

They include Chef Dave Shiplett's Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton's Village of the Arts.

12/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Juicy

CROP Juice Opens New Stickney Point Road Location

The "cold-pressed, raw, organic produce" juice company recently closed its Gulf Gate location and reopened in a nearby space.

12/01/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Open for business

The Sarasota Farmers Market Has a New Manager and Is Adding New Vendors

Foot traffic on Saturday mornings may be lighter than normal this fall, but despite the still-fraught environment for small businesses, the market is growing.

11/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Chew on this

Now That Florida Is Allowing Edible Cannabis, New Products Are Hitting the State's Shelves

Cannabis companies are selling everything from bite-sized edibles to chocolate bars and cookies.

11/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Going fast

Originals Restaurant Group Starts Selling T-Shirts, Tank Tops

The new designs include slogans like "Eat Sip Support Local," "Be Original" and "Eat Like a Local."

11/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Take a hike

Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Day to Visit a State Park

It's become an annual tradition for my family to head out to Myakka River State Park on Thanksgiving Day.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Shopping for a good cause

Taste of Immokalee Begins Selling Holiday Gift Bundles

One hundred percent of the profits go toward scholarships and job-training programs for Immokalee students.

11/24/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sugar rush

Specialty Chocolate Shop Opens Tuesday

The new Norman Love Confections store is located near the University Town Center mall.

11/23/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker