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.

It's official!

Local Farm Earns Organic Certification

Parrish's Honeyside Farms supplies produce to local restaurants, clubs and hotels and sells its goods at two area farmers' markets.

02/20/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Weekly planner

An Italian Carnival, a Pressure Cooking Class and More of This Week's Best Food and Drink Events

Also on the menu: yoga at a rooftop bar in Bradenton, a weekly grilling session and a Venice wine dinner.

02/19/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Weekly planner

Nine Fun, Romantic Options for a Special Valentine's Day Meal

Restaurants, stores and breweries are offering everything from heart-shaped steaks to beer-infused cupcakes this Valentine's Day. Here are some great options for a fun time.

02/12/2020 By Rachel Suwak and Cooper Levey-Baker

Outward Bound

Rick Steves Says His Mission Is to Inspire Americans to 'Venture Beyond Orlando'

The popular guidebook author and travel TV host spoke in Sarasota on Tuesday as part of the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall lecture series.

02/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philly up

Five Delicious Cheesesteaks That Will Please Your Inner Philadelphian

Chef Judi has noticed an uptick in the number of cheesesteaks on local menus and went on a mission to find the best.

02/10/2020 By Judi Gallagher

Restaurant Review

At Shore's Longboat Key Location, Food and Ambiance Share the Spotlight

The second outpost of the popular restaurant opened on Longboat Key last October.

02/04/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The T-Shirt Wars

Inside the Bitter Fight for the Future of Sarasota

A series of hard-fought conflicts has created a situation in which you can tell by the color of someone’s T-shirt whether that person is an ally or a mortal enemy.

02/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Farewell

Earth Fare Will Close

The grocery store chain that opened in Lakewood Ranch just two years ago is shuttering all of its stores.

02/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Glendi Time!

Sarasota's St. Barbara Greek 'Glendi' Celebrates the Food and Culture of Greece

For nearly 40 years, Sarasota’s Greek community has come together for the annual festival.

02/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Travelin' Man

Guidebook Author and TV Host Rick Steves on Why Traveling the World Is a 'Political Act'

"When you travel, the most valuable souvenir you bring home is a broader perspective."

01/31/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

How to Save a Life

Simulated Teenagers Are Training Sarasota County School Staff to Help Troubled Students

The new training is a response to a spreading mental health crisis among young Americans.

01/30/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking News

Lucky's Market Will Close Feb. 12

The supermarket chain is closing all but one of its Florida locations. Liquidation sales begin Wednesday.

01/21/2020 By Staff

New year new you

Sage Debuts New Spring Menu

Highlights include a marinated anchovy appetizer, a shredded duck entrée and carrot cake bread pudding for dessert.

01/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Dim Sum King Offers Royal Delights

A newish dim sum spot offers a tantalizing selection of small dishes.

01/20/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Rowing for Life

Sarasota Breast Cancer Survivors Will Paddle in the 2020 International Dragon Boat Championship

The team is one of seven U.S. squads participating.

01/17/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Cajun Classic

Louisiana in a Box Has Perfected the Art of Catfish Louisianne

When the catfish and étouffée come together at Palmetto’s Louisiana in a Box, bliss ensues.

01/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Clockwork

Intermittent Fasting Has Become a Popular Way to Lose Weight Without Compromising Your Health

It's gained popularity as a health improvement tool in recent years.

01/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Siegfried’s Friendly Beer Garden Offers Classic German Fare

The Gillespie Park restaurant's menu runs through a host of traditional Rhineland dishes.

01/03/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Big Problem, Small Solution

Can Accessory Dwelling Units Ease the Area’s Affordable Housing Crisis?

In Sarasota County, four out of 10 households are defined as being “cost-burdened,” meaning they are spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing.

01/02/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Caffeine Injection

An Old Bradenton Bank Has Been Converted Into a Fun Coffee Experience

Every cool, walkable neighborhood needs a cool caffeine provider. Tellers is exactly that.

01/02/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker