Cooper Levey-Baker has written about food, politics, civic issues, the arts, and music in Southwest Florida for a decade. His work has won an honorable mention from the Julia Child Foundation and a Bronze Award for Best In-Depth Reporting from the Florida Magazine Association, and he was named a finalist for Best Public Service Reporting by the Florida Society of Professional Journalists. His fiction earned him a John Ringling Fund Individual Artist Fellowship from the Arts Council of Sarasota County and his rendition of "Drunk in Love" has left karaoke audiences throughout the region bewildered.

Insider's Guide 2018

What to Do With Kids in Sarasota

These fun options will delight the whole family.

11/30/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Meat right

A Glimpse at the Area's Newest Butcher Shop

Butcher's Mark offers a modern twist on a New England tradition.

11/30/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Shaper

Expert Surfboard Maker Juan Rodriguez Shapes a Living and a Life From Catching Waves

“People in general want to be a part of something. Surfing is tribal.”

11/30/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food

The 25 Best Lunch Spots in Sarasota

Where to go, what to order and how to relish the midday meal.

11/21/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Found in Translation

Meet Jay Rubin, the Translator Who Helped Introduce Haruki Murakami to America

Rubin is coming to Sarasota on Sunday, Dec. 9, to discuss his new anthology, "The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories."

11/15/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food

10 Bucks Or Less: Maple Street Biscuit Company

A Southern chain that specializes in splendid biscuit sandwiches comes to east Sarasota.

11/12/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bowled Over

Poke Is All the Rage Right Now. But What Is It?

Pro tip: it's pronounced "poh-kay."

10/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Crust University

Baker & Wife Chef Isaac Correa Offers Tips on Home Pizza-Making

The restaurant offers periodic workshops to help up your pizza game.

10/29/2018 Photography by Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Speaks Clam Bar Braved Red Tide to Emerge as the Best New 'Bar' on St. Armands Circle

10/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

The 25 Best Lunch Spots in Sarasota

Where to go, what to order and how to relish the midday meal.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

Hungry on University Parkway? Here's Where to Fill Your Belly

Fast-casual deals abound, from 99-cent raw oysters to mix-and-match grain bowls.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

A Day in the Life of a Jimmy John's Delivery Driver

Intrepid food reporter Cooper Levey-Baker finds out what it's really like delivering all those sandwiches.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

Where to Eat Lunch in Manatee County

World-class barbecue, seafood and more await in Sarasota's neighbor to the north.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

Pizza, Curry, Turducken—Oh, My! Here's Where to Eat Lunch in South Sarasota

A sandwich made out of pizza dough? Delicious tacos? Sign us up.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

5 Great Spots for a Midday Meal in Mid-Sarasota

From seafood to salads, there are plenty of options for a delicious and filling lunch in this neck of the woods.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

Where to Eat Lunch in Downtown Sarasota

From vibrant veggies to perfect pho, here's where to grab your midday meal downtown.

10/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best Lunches

8 Killer Sandwiches

We scoured the region for the tastiest of this lunchtime favorite.

10/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Weekly Planner

Tip from the Heart (Benefiting Siesta Key Restaurants), an Evening in India, Anna Maria Island Bayfest and More Local Dining Events

It's a busy week for food events.

10/17/2018 By Ashley Cooper

Chemistry Lesson

A Love Letter to Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

Why this creamy, caffeinated treat is worth seeking out.

10/01/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

$10 or Less

Nicky's Bistro Opens on Palm Avenue

It's the newest project from the former owners of Divino Restaurant & Lounge.

10/01/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker