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.

Philanthropy

Virtual Walk Raises Money for Programs That Reduce Violence Against Women

The Gulf Coast chapter of UN Women is one of seven groups around the country participating in the event.

11/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

New Sunday Spot

The Lakewood Ranch Farmers' Market Is Moving

Waterside Place, the market's new home, will also host a monthly series of Ranch Nite evening events.

11/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Quick Stiks

Taste of Asia Is Getting a New Name and a New Fast-Casual Style

The restaurant will close temporarily next month and reopen in December as Stiks.

10/28/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Chill Out

It's Never Not a Good Time to Visit Florida's Incredible Natural Springs

Central Florida's springs might feel a little chillier than usual this time of year, but they're still an amazing destination.

10/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Chaz 51 Serves Up Steakhouse Classics in Venice

Chaz 51, which has morphed from a cafe and coffee shop to a bistro to a steakhouse, moved into Bird Bay Plaza last year.

10/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Must Make

You Have to Try This Creamy Vegan Soup From Lauren Boehme of Rabbit & Wolves

Lauren Boehme runs the popular vegan food blog Rabbit & Wolves and lives in Sarasota.

10/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Meals on Wheels

Sarasota's Best Food Trucks

These mobile businesses make food that easily rivals what you'll find at a great restaurant.

10/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coming Attractions

Fast-Casual Restaurant 3Natives Is Coming to UTC Area Next Year

The restaurant specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, juices and bagels.

10/13/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sweep Stakes

Yes, You Should Get Your Chimney Cleaned—Even in Florida

Most Floridians don't use their fireplaces all that much, but regular maintenance is still a good idea.

10/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Good Gourd

Craving Pumpkin Spice? Here's Where to Get Your Fix.

From beer to cold brew to the classic PSL, here's where to satisfy that fall craving.

10/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Roof Is on Fire

Sage Has Reopened, and, Even More Importantly, So Has Its Rooftop Bar

This is good news.

10/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Pier pressure

Oyster Bar Kicks Off New 'From the Ranch to the Gulf' Fall Menu

The restaurant is offering the new dishes through the end of the year at all four of its locations.

10/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Put a Bid on It

Florida Winefest Is Holding an Online Auction With Some Seriously Impressive Items

Money from the event goes to help nonprofits that assist kids and families in need.

10/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Essential Intelligence

After a Year Off, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Returns in November

From Nov. 12-15, professional and amateur sand artists will wow visitors with their outrageous and improbable designs.

10/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Be Sure to Try the Spam at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

The canned pork product is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine.

10/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

Two Former Ritz-Carlton Pastry Chefs Are Competing on the Food Network

Lyndsy Velasquez and Amy McBride teamed up to make a "scary sci-fi" chocolate sculpture for Chocolate Meltdown: Hershey's After Dark.

10/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q&A

With His New Book, Donald Antrim Wants to Change How We Think About Suicide

Antrim, who was born in Sarasota in 1958, has published three novels, a short story collection and a memoir. His new book, "One Friday in April: A Story of Suicide and Survival," comes out later this month.

10/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker