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.

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Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Is Now Open

The cult favorite ice cream shop offers unique flavors like Buttercream Birthday Cake and Goat Cheese With Red Cherries.

02/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Aldi Aficionado

New Cookbook Offers Tips on What to Make With Your Aldi Haul

Sarasota recently got its first Aldi. If you need ideas for what to pick up, consider grabbing Jeanette Hurt's new cookbook.

02/23/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fresh catch

New Fish Cake Restaurant Opens in March

Reef Cakes owner Mike Martin says he wants to offer healthy meals that highlight the flavors of the sea.

02/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Carb loading

L'Ôpera Is Your South Sarasota Destination for Great French Pastries and Bread

Live near Gulf Gate? You might want to make a stop-in at L'Ôpera Bakery Bistrôt part of your regular morning routine.

02/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Shut the Front Door

Guy Fieri Brings Delivery-Only 'Ghost Kitchen' to Sarasota

Craving some "donkey sauce"? You're in luck.

02/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Heel turn

A Sarasota Restaurant Is Highlighting the Cuisine of Southeast Italy

Vino-Vino opened in a Siesta Drive space right at the end of 2020.

02/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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New Downtown Restaurant Kojo Opens Today

The new restaurant from the company behind Speaks Clam Bar has a pan-Asian menu and a cool look.

02/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

World tour

Chayhana Vostok Brings the Flavors of Uzbekistan to Sarasota

The restaurant makes terrific dumplings, great grilled meats and many other central Asian specialties.

02/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Gift Guide

You Can Find Indulgent Valentine's Day Chocolates at These Six Shops

Looking for last-minute sweet treats for this weekend? Here's where to go.

02/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Date Night

These 11 Restaurants Are Offering Special Valentine's Day Meals

Whether you want to eat out or pick up a meal for two to eat at home, here are 11 solid options.

02/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

10 Bucks Or Less

The Spot in Bradenton Is Another Top Choice for Birria Tacos

If you haven't yet experienced the birria taco craze, here's another opportunity.

02/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Birthday Party

Daiquiri Deck Is Celebrating Its 10th Year on St. Armands Circle

The three-day fiesta will include deals on food and drinks, plus live music, raffles, a blood drive and more.

02/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Swag Bag

Mattison's Is Hosting an Online Sweepstakes and Photo Contest This Month

Chef Paul Mattison hopes to highlight the humanely raised, sustainable meat produced by Niman Ranch.

02/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Game On

Where to Pick Up Great Game Day Grub for Super Bowl Sunday

Whether you're rooting for the Bucs from the comfort of your couch or totally indifferent to the outcome of the big game, we've got recommendations for a fun feast.

02/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

True love

Want a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner at Waffle House? You'll Have to Go to Punta Gorda

The Punta Gorda Waffle House is one of more than 200 around the country that are offering special romantic meals this year.

02/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The pandemic

Remote Learning Has Challenged Students, Teachers and Parents Alike

Roughly one out of every five students is currently participating in remote learning in Sarasota County.

01/29/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Triple Threat

New Seafood Restaurant From Gecko's Team Opens Soon

Tripletail Seafood & Spirits will open in The Landings in the second week of February.

01/28/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

By the numbers

Restaurant Sales Dropped 24 Percent Last Year

And while spending is expected to rise again in 2021, it is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels.

01/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Meet Cute

The Cheesecake Cutie Brings Sandwiches, Charcuterie and, Yes, Cheesecake to Holmes Beach

Jennifer Geils has turned her mother's cheesecake recipe into a popular Anna Maria Island business.

01/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food news

Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar Has Opened

The much-anticipated new restaurant from Lila chef Ryan Boeve is located at 1660 Main St. in downtown Sarasota.

01/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker