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.

10 Bucks Or Less

Smoqehouse Specializes in Tasty Sandwiches

The restaurant replaced The Oaks Open Pit B-B-Q on the South Trail earlier this year.

08/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Is It Safe to Eat Out?

How Local Restaurants Are Handling COVID-19 Safety Precautions

Restaurants have instituted a number of new safety measures, but dozens of complaints about a lack of social distancing have been filed with the state.

08/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Eat better, do better

Psychiatrist and Author Launches New Video Series on Nutrition and Brain Health

Dr. Uma Naidoo is the author of the new book This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods That Fight Depression, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, and More.

07/31/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Moments of Joy

Moment of Joy: Sipping That Nitro Cold Brew With Sweet Cream

I've been working from home since March, and since I don't have regular access to my favorite coffee shops, I've come to rely on Starbucks.

07/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Gyros & Seafood Express Gets Facelift, Adds Online Ordering System

The north U.S. 301 restaurant has something I'm hunting for more and more these days: a drive-through.

07/29/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking

The Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market Will Reopen Saturday, Aug. 1

The market has created what it calls a 'customer code of conduct' for shoppers that includes wearing a mask and staying at least six feet apart from others.

07/17/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Recipe

Let's Learn How to Make Rosemary & Thyme's Pistachio-Crusted Salmon

Via Skype, Rosemary & Thyme owner George Armstrong discusses how the restaurant is managing during the pandemic and shares a mouth-watering recipe with us.

07/14/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Pop, pop

New Popcorn Shop Opens

The former executive director of the Sarasota Farmers Market recently opened Uncle Phil's Organic Popcorn.

07/14/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Back at it

Venice Farmers Market Reopens Saturday

The market is the first in the area to reopen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/08/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood guide

Where the Locals Eat in North Manatee County

Five restaurants where people from Parrish, Ellenton, Palmetto and Terra Ceia like to gather.

07/06/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Takeout Time

Thai Seed Supplies the Flavors of Bangkok to the University Town Center Area

The restaurant is currently offering dine-in service up to 25 percent of its capacity, plus takeout with curbside service.

07/02/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Survey Says...

Survey Finds Most Floridians Think It's Important to Wear Masks in Restaurants

According to a new survey, eight in 10 Floridians say it's either 'very' or 'somewhat' important to don a mask while visiting a restaurant.

06/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

First Look

Willow's Cafe Brings More Breakfast, Lunch Options to the Rosemary District

The restaurant, which opened in April, serves everything from simple egg-based breakfasts to sandwiches, wraps and salads.

06/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking

City of Sarasota Now Requires Masks in Public

The city received hundreds of phone calls and emails about the proposed ordinance in recent days.

06/29/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker and David Hackett

Breaking

Florida Is Shutting Down Bars Again Because of COVID-19

The state issued the order the same day it was reported that Florida had 8,942 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, a single-day record.

06/26/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Get Your Fixe

Bradenton's Excellent Château 13 Reopens With a New Prix Fixe Menu

The restaurant was a hit as soon as it opened its doors last year. After a prolonged shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's back.

06/25/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Expanded menu

More Food and Drink Options Coming to Lakewood Ranch

The developers behind Waterside Place recently announced that the project will be home to Duck Donuts, Atria Bread + Coffee and CROP Juice.

06/23/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

G's Southern Kitchen Dishes Up Terrific Takeout in a Golf Course Clubhouse

The restaurant offers an eye-catching selection of chicken wings, sandwiches, salads and sides.

06/23/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Data

USF Researchers Find Black and Hispanic Americans Much More Likely Than Whites to Fear Police Brutality

Two University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee researchers have found that Black Americans are nearly five times more likely than whites to worry 'a lot' about police brutality.

06/22/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Day Drinking

First Watch Starts Serving Alcohol

It's the first time the restaurant chain has sold alcohol since its first location opened in 1986.

06/18/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker