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.

Coming Attraction

Ruth's Chris Steak House Is Coming to Lakewood Ranch

The chain will join a shopping center that will also be home to a new Owen's Fish Camp and a new Italian restaurant.

01/21/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Keep it Unreal

Publix Is Carrying a New Line of Plant-Based Deli 'Meats' From a South Florida Native

Unreal Deli products mimic slices of corned beef, steak and roasted turkey.

01/14/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

In the Driver's Seat

Sarasota Food Truck Hires New Chef

Lisa Shields recently took the wheel at Hamlet's Eatery, which sets up at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

01/10/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

Panel Discusses 'Who Owns Florida's Beaches?'

Inspired by an award-winning Sarasota Magazine story, a Sarasota Tiger Bay Club panel on Thursday discussed the complex legalities of where the public beach ends and where private ownership begins.

01/06/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Tuesday Taco News

New Mexican Restaurant Coming to University Town Center Area

Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar will open this summer.

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants on Anna Maria Island

With everything from fine dining palaces to low-key burger shacks, Anna Maria Island provides plenty of options for great food.

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Smoke Shop

SRQ Cured Is Bringing Smoked Fish and Meat to a Store Near You

The smoked fish and charcuterie business's products can be found in markets and restaurants around town.

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

The Château Livens Up an Anna Maria Island Resort

Owned by Buddy Foy Jr., and his wife, Jennifer, it’s an adaptation of a similar restaurant named The Château on the Lake in upstate New York.

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Unity Awards

With Rise & Nye's, Beaver Shriver Created a Workplace of Dignity for People With Developmental Disabilities

“It’s a human rights movement disguised as a coffee and ice cream shop."

01/04/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bug Business

A Local Teenager Turns His Love of Creepy Creatures Into a Moneymaker

Andrew Pugliese's menagerie includes eight tarantulas, five scorpions and one Madagascar hissing cockroach.

01/03/2022 By Cooper Levey-Baker

2021 in Review

Sarasota Magazine's Top 10 Food and Drink Stories of 2021

We published tons of food stories this year. Here are the 10 that people clicked on the most.

12/28/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Aging like fine wine

A Local Coffee Roaster Has Begun Selling Barrel-Aged Beans

Banyan Coffee Co. is aging beans in bourbon, rye, rum, tequila and wine barrels to impart extra flavor.

12/21/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Free & Freeish

Delicious and Cheap Spots to Grab a Bite in Sarasota-Manatee

From an incredible selection of Asian food to over-the-top doughnuts, you can eat well on a budget here.

12/21/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Window Wonderland

A New Bradenton Café Offers Coffee and Greek-Inspired Breakfast and Lunch Items

Kefi Streetside Cafe is located in a former bank converted into a walk-up outdoor café.

12/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's fantasize

Five Fake Hallmark Holiday Movies Set in Sarasota That Need to Happen ASAP

If you are rich and would like to finance any of these, have your people call my people.

12/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dive In

Sarasota's Coolest New Bar Is Tucked Inside the Back of a Liquor Store

Dive Wine & Spirits is your new destination for a great cocktail.

12/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Energy

Florida Power & Light Unveils Massive Solar-Powered Battery in Parrish

The largest solar-powered battery in the world is now located in Manatee County.

12/13/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fresh news

The Manatee County NAACP Has Started a New Monthly Farmers Market

The next one takes place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 11.

12/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hitting the Road

Miss Susie's Newtown Kitchen Goes Mobile

The truck has a busy schedule, with multiple stops scheduled for most weeks, most of them located in north Sarasota.

12/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

A Gift That Will Last a Lifetime

Looking for an Unusual Holiday Gift? Book a Personalized Message From a Local Celeb.

Paul Reubens, Jerry Springer, Nik Wallenda and several cast members from MTV's Siesta Key are using Cameo to send customized messages to fans.

12/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker