Episode 58: Chef Leon Brunson

Host Dave Fiore speaks with Chef Leon Brunson, owner of Leon’s at Lake Ella. His journey to owning a restaurant has included working the line at his hometown Waffle House in Panama City, refining his skills at fine dining restaurants, being a private chef, and time at Kool Beanz Café, where he says he really learned to cook.  

He describes himself as a Southern chef with international flair and loves exploring new flavors and techniques to offer his diners a unique experience.  

As much as Leon loves food, his first passion is the video game Dance Dance Revolution, which he says dominated his childhood. His DDR skills and competitive drive led to appearances in the World Champions League and being ranked as high as No. 4 in the U.S.  

During COVID, Leon starting streaming cooking classes online, which would eventually lead to a spot on the Hulu reality cooking show, Secret Chef. Leon discusses the reality of being on a reality show and his thoughts on the outcome. 

After trying to leave more than once, Leon has come to love Tallahassee and is committed to helping with regional food insecurity through his work with Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

This episode is sponsored by Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning.