Talent, passion and devotion - Young Talent of the Year 2021

They say that a young chef who is still evolving and shows a lot of potential should forget all international and domestic culinary influences that he had acquired during his education. When this happens, he can truly find himself and show his real character. “I agree. You have to continuously remind yourself to stay on your own path. I come from Prekmurje, I work with local producers and farmers, I cook traditional food but I still want to upgrade the recipes with my own knowledge and experience - homemade with a hint of modernity. Most of all, I want to add my signature to each dish, which has to be youthful and interesting to the guests. After finishing my education, I have put all my skills and energy into our home kitchen in my own ways - each chef has his own style - while still keeping our cuisine homemade and simple, just updated,” says Leon.

He talks passionately about old recipes that he is reviving and says that he could never have imagined a different life from the one he enjoys now. As a child, he already wanted to work in hospitality and in his teenage years, the family restaurant traditions have totally taken him over, which helped to develop his talent and combine it with dedication and commitment. It means a lot to him when guests notice this and want to try more of his own dishes, but it means even more to see them come back. “I wouldn’t endure working in an office. I am truly happy in the kitchen - I love to cook everything and I love to eat everything,” he explains with a big smile on his face and secretly adds that he never runs out of new plans for the future.