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.

Rising

Five-O Donut Co. Is Coming to Bradenton Next Year

And that's on top of the new location near University Town Center that is scheduled to open in early 2022.

09/23/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fake It Till You Make It

Beyond the Beyond Burger: Taste-Testing Plant-Based Seafood Substitutes

You can find vegan "crab" cakes, "fish" fillets and chunky "tuna" in a number of local grocery stores.

09/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Ka Papa, in Southside Village, Offers Vegan Cuisine in a Fine-Dining Setting

Ka Papa isn't just a quality addition to Sarasota’s growing list of vegan dining options. It’s one of the city’s best new restaurants, period.

09/20/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Vive la France!

A Unique Sarasota Club Gathers to Celebrate the Wines of Bordeaux

The local chapter of the international Commanderie de Bordeaux hosts regular dinners that highlight specific varieties of Bordeaux wines.

09/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

That's Amore

Nine Great Kinds of Pizza From Around the World

Consider this your pizza style guide.

09/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Spend wisely

New Blog Series Offers Tips on 'Grocery Shopping for Your Health'

The Sarasota County office of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is taking you on a tour of your neighborhood supermarket.

09/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Traditionalist

Dan Bavaro Is Fanatical About Making Pizza Just Like They Do in Naples

The restaurant makes many different types of Neapolitan pies these days, but the Margherita remains a crowd-pleaser.

09/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Vroom Vroom

Ford's Garage Makes a Mean Burger

But is it tasty enough to break into the upper ranks of Sarasota's crowded burger scene?

09/13/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

On Pacific Time

Pacific Counter Crafts Tasty Bowls and Sushi Burritos

The quick-service restaurant mashes up flavors from Hawaii and Japan in a bright, friendly setting.

09/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Supplies Are Limited!

Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants Are on Sale Again

More than 30 restaurants are offering gift certificates at a 30 percent discount, starting today.

09/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

Rogers Market Delivers Upscale Gas Station Cuisine

This just might be the swankiest convenience store you've ever set foot in.

09/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Chill Out

Beat the Heat With These Sweet, Cold Treats

From ice cream sandwiches to smoothies, there's something for everyone.

09/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Remembering Blasé Café Founder Cynthia Breslin

The founder and co-owner of Blasé Café on Siesta Key died from cancer last week.

09/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Industry update

Restaurant Sales Are Up, But Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

The National Restaurant Association warns that the rise in Covid-19 infections caused by the Delta variant could hurt the industry's rebound.

09/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

New Discoveries

Where to Find Kolaches in Sarasota

Kolaches, which are similar to pigs in a blanket, can be found at a couple of local spots.

08/31/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Kippis!

Miles Teller Talks 'Long Drink,' a Tasty, Gin-Based Alternative to Hard Seltzer

The actor, who stars in the upcoming "Top Gun: Maverick," grew up in Florida and co-owns The Finnish Long Drink. He tells us why he likes the beverage so much.

08/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker