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.

Goat Meal

Now Open: Screaming Goat Taqueria

The outstanding pick of condiments elevates the food at this new Gulf Gate eatery.

02/27/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Cold Chillin'

The Hyppo Keeps it Pretty Chill on St. Armands Circle

It's popsicle season.

02/23/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurants

Two New Metro Diners Opening Next Month

The two new restaurants are the chain's 50th and 51st locations.

02/21/2018 By Staff

Meat and Three, Coming This Fall

Builders Break Ground on New Nonprofit Newtown Restaurant

'This is the exact opposite of gentrification,' said Terrill Salem, whose company, T. Salem Construction, LLC, will be building Miss Susie's Newtown Kitchen.

02/20/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

French Twist

10 Bucks Or Less: Brasserie Honoré

Find tasty sandwiches and salads at the café inside the new Whole Foods Market.

02/14/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Living on the Edge

Do Rising Car Loan Defaults Signal a Precarious Economy?

Last year, the rate of delinquencies on subprime auto loans rose to 9.7 percent for auto lenders not affiliated with banks or credit unions, up from just 5.8 percent in 2012.

02/02/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Al Fresco Favorites

The Best Outdoor Dining in Sarasota-Manatee

The best place to eat in Southwest Florida? Outside, of course.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Roadside Attractions

Watch the World Stroll by at These Sidewalk Dining Destinations

Great food and great people watching? Count us in.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Plein Air Plenty

The Best Farmers Market Eats

Along with ready-to-eat options, our region's bustling farmers markets offer some appealing places to enjoy a quick lunch or snack, from outdoor tables to the Phillippi market’s beautiful park with water views.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Road Trip

A Taste of Nirvana: Tampa's Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple

You'll find stunning flavors at this Buddhist temple’s outdoor market.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Where the Wild Things Are

These Outdoor Spaces Welcome Kids

Kids and adults alike will enjoy these six great spots.

01/25/2018 Photography by Cooper Levey-Baker

On the Waterfront

Water Views are The Reason We're Here

Enjoy a great meal and a gorgeous view at any one of these seven spots.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Made in the Shade

Six Patios We Love

Take a seat on a pretty patio or deck and dig in.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Made in SRQ

Made in SRQ: Lickity Splits Ice Cream

Owner Matthew Eastman hopes to soon move from his 1,400-square-foot space to a 20,000-square-foot facility.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Holy Writ

Brandon Farris Is Rising in the World of Christian Rap

Farris is better known by his stage name, YB.

01/25/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards 2018

Meet the Winners of Our 2018 Unity Awards

Our champions of diversity inspire us every day.

01/23/2018 By Anu Varma, Susan Burns, and Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards 2018

Judge Charles Williams and Attorney Charlie Ann Syprett Stand Up for Diversity

Williams and Syprett launched the Sarasota County Bar Association Diversity Committee. Their efforts earned them one of our 2013 Unity Awards; here's an update.

01/23/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker