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.

Boating Guide

Five Great Boating Adventures

Take to the seas with these recreational day trips and overnight excursions.

03/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Gulf Gate on the Grow

Four New Restaurants Have Opened in Gulf Gate

Covid-19 hasn't slowed the dining district's growth.

03/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Pandemic

Restaurant Sales Were Down 26 Percent in January

A new National Restaurant Association report shows that eateries around the country continue to struggle because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

03/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Rare species

Whatever Happened to the Early Bird Special?

The decline of this once-common dining discount says a lot about how Sarasota has changed.

03/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Neighborhood Guide

Where the Locals Eat in Venice

From sunup to sundown, Venice residents have plenty of options for a great meal. Here are 13 of our favorites.

03/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Stack 'Em High

Indulge in a Beloved Anna Maria Island Breakfast Tradition

These pancakes'll deliver more than enough carbs to power you up for a day in the sun.

03/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Let's Eat

Virtual Eat Local Week Kicks Off March 14

Events will include talks on edible gardening and labor standards in agriculture, a movie screening and a cooking challenge with two talented Sarasota chefs.

03/01/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Get Cracking

The Sarasota Farmers Market Is Hosting a T-Shirt and Tote Bag Design Contest

The winner will receive a $100 gift card and a bundle of market goodies.

02/26/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Choco Champs

Sarasota Shop Wins Big in International Chocolate Contest

Banyan Tree Chocolate & Cafe won recognition for its spicy chocolates and its caramels.

02/26/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

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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