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.

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

Food

Burger Chain Recognized for Serving Antibiotic-Free Beef

BurgerFi, which has one Sarasota location, was given an 'A' grade in a new report that evaluates policies toward antibiotics in beef at several top burger chains.

10/19/2018 By Staff

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

Tip Sheet

What Food Servers Wish We Knew About Gratuities

We asked servers about tipping etiquette.

10/01/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bone Appétit

Forget Meat—Bone Broth is the Hottest Food Trend Right Now

Beef bones are packed with flavor.

09/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Rosemary District's Spice Station Is a Hot Spot for the Arts Crowd

The menu hops around the Asian continent, pulling in customers for both the food and the excellent deals.

09/26/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Style

Downtown Barbershop Renovated

Owner Michelle Barrett recently renovated Alberti's on Main, updating the flooring, walls, cabinets and more.

09/06/2018 By Staff

Ice, Ice Baby

Snowballs, a Chilly New Orleans Treat, Come to St. Armands Circle

They're the perfect antidote to hot, sticky Florida days.

08/31/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

At His Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine, Chef Darwin Santa Maria Has Found a New Home

The menu is an Endless Summer of flavors and techniques the chef has become known for.

08/31/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Path Forward

Should the Legacy Trail Be Extended?

Voters will answer the question in November, when they will decide whether to approve a bond referendum that would pay for the project.

08/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking Away

The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Helps Women and Men Flee Abusive Relationships

In 2017, law enforcement reported more than 1,400 domestic violence offenses in Sarasota County.

08/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Civil Rights

Sincerely, the Black Kids Examines Racism on College Campuses

Miles Iton, a New College of Florida graduate, says he faced racially motivated backlash from fellow students that shocked him.

08/29/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Tamiami Tacos Offers Budget-Friendly Mexican Food Inside an Exxon Station

This tiny four-table restaurant serves both drivers cruising by on 41 and boaters puttering along on nearby Bowlees Creek.

08/23/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bulgogi Bonanza

New Korean Barbecue Restaurant Opens

A popular food truck has pulled into the space that once housed La Dona Donuts.

08/17/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Longtime Restaurateur, Philanthropist Dies at 65

With the death of Steve Seidensticker, Sarasota has lost a giant.

08/16/2018 By Susan Burns

Rising

Five-O Donut Co Opening Second Location

Christine Nordstrom plans to open a second Five-O at 7119 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in September.

08/12/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker