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.

Essential Intelligence

The Incredible History and Uncertain Future of the Iconic Florida Orange

The citrus industry is in trouble, but the orange continues to symbolize the Sunshine State’s allure.

11/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Christmastime Is Here

You Need to Try My Mom's Sugar Cookie Recipe

Why? Because it's the best.

11/30/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Weekend update

The Meadows Has a Farmers Market Now

The market kicked off in early October and operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday.

11/21/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Victory Is Sweet

Sarasota Ice Cream Maker Wins Big at National Ice Cream Competition

Yoder's Southern Creamery was recognized for its classic vanilla, as well as its non-dairy peanut butter brownie flavor.

11/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bundle Up

Taste of Immokalee's Holiday Gift Bundles Are Back

The company is run by high school students who use the profits to provide scholarships, internships and job training to young people in Immokalee.

11/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Ghost Kitchen

Deck's Plate Brings Delicious Plant-Based Food to Your Doorstep

Brothers Erik and Evan Decker offer vegan delivery and takeout from a space on Bee Ridge Road.

11/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Friendly City Food

New Cookbook Spotlights Recipes and Stories From Bradenton

Tales From the Table: Flavors, Families, and Friends contains 10 local recipes.

11/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Wait Is Over

The Bijou Café Will Reopen Next Week

The restaurant has been closed for three months for renovations.

11/12/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Ellen Hughes-Cromwick on What the New Infrastructure Law Means for Climate Change and Electric Vehicles

You can hear Hughes-Cromwick's views at the Climate Adaptation Center's Nov. 19 Florida Climate Forecast Conference.

11/11/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Pie possibilities

Your Holiday Pie Doesn't Need to Be Pumpkin. Here Are a Few Tasty Alternatives.

Key lime pie? Strawberry pie? Oatmeal pie? Your options are limitless.

11/10/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

From tree to table

The Apple Truck Is Bringing Michigan Apples to Sarasota This Week

The stop is part of a tour of 90 cities across the South.

11/08/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

New In Town

A Team From D.C. Is Behind Meliora, a New Restaurant Coming to Hillview Street

The menu will feature 'some pasta dishes, a lot of seafood and a lot of pork,' according to chef Drew Adams.

11/04/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philanthropy

Virtual Walk Raises Money for Programs That Reduce Violence Against Women

The Gulf Coast chapter of UN Women is one of seven groups around the country participating in the event.

11/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

New Sunday Spot

The Lakewood Ranch Farmers' Market Is Moving

Waterside Place, the market's new home, will also host a monthly series of Ranch Nite evening events.

11/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Quick Stiks

Taste of Asia Is Getting a New Name and a New Fast-Casual Style

The restaurant will close temporarily next month and reopen in December as Stiks.

10/28/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Chill Out

It's Never Not a Good Time to Visit Florida's Incredible Natural Springs

Central Florida's springs might feel a little chillier than usual this time of year, but they're still an amazing destination.

10/22/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Restaurant Review

Chaz 51 Serves Up Steakhouse Classics in Venice

The restaurant, which has morphed from a cafe and coffee shop to a bistro to a steakhouse, moved into Bird Bay Plaza last year.

10/18/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Must Make

You Have to Try This Creamy Vegan Soup From Lauren Boehme of Rabbit & Wolves

Boehme, who lives in Sarasota, has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.

10/15/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Meals on Wheels

Sarasota's Best Food Trucks

These mobile businesses make food that easily rivals what you'll find at a great restaurant.

10/14/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Coming Attractions

Fast-Casual Restaurant 3Natives Is Coming to UTC Area Next Year

The restaurant specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, juices and bagels.

10/13/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker