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.

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

Hawaii, Japan, SoCal and St. Pete—all of it comes together in Lakewood Ranch.

09/09/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Supplies Are Limited!

Discounted Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants Are on Sale Again

More than 30 local 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

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

A Week in the Blue Ridge Mountains Was Just What I Needed

And, apparently, it was what a lot of other people from Sarasota needed, too.

08/24/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Breaking News

Sarasota School Board Approves Mask Mandate With Limited Exemptions

The measure will stay in place for 90 days, or until Sarasota County's Covid-19 test positivity rate falls.

08/20/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Booze Flash

New Liquor Store Opens in Lakewood Ranch

The new ABC Fine Wine & Spirits includes a walk-in cigar humidor, a walk-in beer cooler and a station for refilling growlers.

08/19/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q&A

This New Cookbook Is All About Middle Eastern Desserts

Author Salma Hage answers questions about her latest book, "Middle Eastern Sweets: Desserts, Pastries, Creams & Treats."

08/17/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Table talk

Food Writer Alexander Lobrano Discusses His New Memoir, My Place at the Table

Lobrano lives in Paris but spends part of each year in Sarasota. He'll discuss his work and career during a Bookstore1Sarasota Zoom event on Thursday, Aug. 19.

08/16/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Alcohol Olympics

'Set the Bar' Cocktail Competition Will Return in October

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals contest will feature drinks from 25 different restaurants.

08/06/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

In Their Element

Sarasota Bar Kicks Off New Pop-Up Series

The Lounge at Element is showcasing the culinary talents of different staff members. First up: Puerto Rican cuisine from sous chef Alexa Diaz.

08/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Call it a Comeback

SorBabes Is Back With a New Look and New Flavors

After a year of struggles with manufacturing delays, the company is back on shelves in some parts of the country, and is offering online orders in Florida.

08/03/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Food News

A New French Breakfast and Lunch Spot Is Coming to Main Street

Mademoiselle Paris will open this October.

07/26/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker