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.

Birthday party

Gecko's Is Throwing a Party to Celebrate the Sarasota County Centennial

100 Years Feature Night will take place 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, at the Gecko's Grill & Pub near Fruitville Road.

07/07/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Skrt Skrt

Conservation Foundation Launches New Food Truck Event Series

The first gathering will take place Friday, July 23, with the food truck Curb Your Appetite.

07/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Piney Point

Environmental Nonprofits Sue State, Property Owners Over Piney Point Disaster

The lawsuit charges that the state and the company that owns Piney Point ignored warnings about possible failures at the site.

06/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

All the deals

Here Are All the Restaurants Continuing to Offer Specials Deals After Savor Sarasota

Eleven restaurants are extending their summer specials.

06/23/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Summer of Love

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Is Serving Up Free Scoops on Monday Evening

The popular ice cream shop is kicking off the summer season in style.

06/21/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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Five-O Donut Co. Is Coming to University Town Center

The shop's fourth location is set to open later this year or in early 2022.

06/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Not Just for Passover Anymore

Matzo Project Wants to Make Matzo a Year-Round Snack

The company makes traditional sheets of matzo, as well as matzo 'chips' and 'bites' and more.

06/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Cooldown

Refreshing Florida Seltzers Are Perfect for Hot Summer Days

The hard seltzer trend isn't going away.

06/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Au Naturel

Here's an Easy Introduction to the World of Natural Wine

If you’re new to this unusual and sometimes wild category of wines, Artisan Cheese Company is offering a starter pack.

06/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hop on the Trolley

New Progressive Dinner Series Highlights Wine and Food Pairings

The Blend is a new series of dinners organized by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.

06/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dark Matter

Magical 'Queen of the Night' Flowers Are Blooming All Over Sarasota

The flowers bloom only after dark, and for only one night each year.

06/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

History Glass

New Beer From Big Top and Gecko's Celebrates Sarasota County's Centennial

The beer, made with a pink grapefruit infusion, will be available at Gecko's restaurants beginning Monday, June 7.

06/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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Selby Gardens Breaks Ground on New Downtown Campus

Work will start later this year on the first phase of what will be a massive overhaul of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

06/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Two of a Kind

Two New Restaurants Are Offering Creative Spins on Asian Cuisine

Kojo, which took over the former Lemon Tree Kitchen space, and K-Nam Korean BBQ & Sushi take a unique approach to tried-and-true favorites.

06/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dram band

Special Four-Course Meals Will Pair Bourbons and Bites

Sarasota's Baker & Wife is offering a special menu, with two seatings, on Sunday, June 13.

05/27/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Diverse Voices

Tihda Vongkoth on Anti-Asian Hate, the Music World and the Risk of Speaking Out

'It is possible to be your authentic self, pursue the music that you really believe in and be anti-racist.'

05/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bookmark This Page

Here Are All the Restaurants Participating in Savor Sarasota This Year

You can win $50 restaurant gift cards this year by posting about Savor Sarasota on Instagram.

05/24/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Deals

The Bijou Café Has a New Owner

Sharon Carole of Sage recently bought the beloved downtown Sarasota restaurant.

05/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

When I Dip You Dip We Dip

Melting Pot Adds New 'Best Fondue Friends Forever' Specials

The restaurant's "BFFF" menu is offered every Wednesday.

05/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Politics

New Law Lets Restaurants Continue Selling Alcoholic Drinks Via Takeout and Delivery

The measure makes permanent emergency orders that were created to help restaurants struggling because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

05/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker