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.

Right flight

Take a Gander at This Insane Private Jet

Billed as the world's most spacious and luxurious private jet, the Crystal Skye is traveling from Sarasota to South Africa this week as part of an 88-person Admiral Travel International safari.

05/08/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Stayin' Alive

Florida Is the Deadliest State in the Nation for Bicyclists. An Expert Tells Us Why

In 2016, 138 cyclists in Florida were killed in vehicle crashes—the highest per-capita number of fatalities of any state in the nation.

05/01/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Clean Sweep

The Hottest Food Trend in Sarasota? Nutrition

The word of the year on the Sarasota dining scene is “clean.”

04/30/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philly Flair

You'll Find Real-Deal Cheesesteaks at Gentile Bros. on the South Trail

More than a sandwich shop, Gentile Bros. is a shrine to all things Philadelphia.

04/30/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Tel Aviv in a Truck

Spice Boys Brings Modern Israeli Food to Sarasota

Steven Schmitt and Carl Kolber were inspired by eateries Shaya in New Orleans and The Palomar Restaurant in London and chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi.

04/30/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Review

Sage Brings New Energy to a Historic Downtown Address

Owner Sharon Carole purchased the property for $2.1 million in 2014; it opened in January this year.

04/30/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best of Sarasota 2019

Our Editors' Picks for the Best New Restaurants, Shopping and Services in Sarasota-Manatee

We celebrate the best in dining, shopping, the arts and attractions.

04/30/2019 By Susan Burns, Cooper Levey-Baker, Megan McDonald, Kay Kipling, Ilene Denton, and Giulia Heyward

Diner things

New Greek Restaurant Set to Open in June

Guy Fieri has dubbed the chef's kotopita 'crunchalicious.'

04/29/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Pop's Star

Waterfront Restaurant Adds Huge New Tiki Bar

The new bar at Pop's Sunset Grill in Nokomis bumps right up against the Intracoastal Waterway.

04/29/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

History Lesson—Part I

Der Dutchman Celebrates 50 Years of History This Saturday

The first Der Dutchman opened in Walnut Creek, Ohio, on May 1, 1969, with seating for 75 and 15-20 employees.

04/24/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Purple One

Miss Prince? Purple Reign Pays Tribute to the Legend

Jason Tenner has been imitating the inimitable in Las Vegas for 22 years. He brings his show to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4.

04/23/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Desk-side dining

New Healthy Lunch Delivery Service Launches

'Lots of carbs and gluten are getting old,' says Fresh Flamingo owner Patrik Malatinszki. 'This is something new.'

04/22/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Space race

Gecko's Opens New Event and Meeting Space

Signature Events & Catering is located in The Landings, in the original Gecko's location that closed in 2017.

04/22/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Savor Save

Savor Sarasota Returns Again in June

During the event, dozens of restaurants will offer prix fixe meals for $16 at lunch and $32 at dinner.

04/16/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coldplay

Publix Is Now Carrying SorBabes, a Sorbet Brand With a Sarasota Connection

SorBabes makes excellent fruit sorbets, as well as ultra-creamy varieties made with nut butters and nut hunks.

04/15/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Do the wave

New Main Street Coffee Shop Opens

Breaking Wave Coffee is located in the former home of Artisan Cheese Company.

04/12/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Pep Talk

Ian Bremmer Closes Out the Ringling College Library Association's 2019 Town Hall Series

Thursday's event also included the announcement of next year's lineup, which includes Annie Leibovitz, Rick Steves and more.

04/11/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

World tour

Three-Day Ringling Festival Celebrates the Culture of India

A Journey Through India includes a Bollywood dance festival, live music from a sitar master, lectures on Indian culture, a market with food and artisan goods and more.

04/08/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The First 1,000 Days

The Goal of This New Food Bank Program Is to Make Sure Newborns Have Enough to Eat

Children today aren't often identified as food insecure until they enter the public school system.

04/08/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Shack attack

Shake Shack Opens Next Week

The beloved 'better burger' restaurant has been in the works since early last year.

04/08/2019 By Cooper Levey-Baker