Award-Winning Italian Chef’s West Clare-Based Gourmet Food Service

Leonardo La Pietra is the founder of Leo at Home, a small artisan food business based in Doonbeg. This is where he prepares authentic Italian dishes to finish at home, bakes fresh bread and focaccia, and crafts a selection of traditional desserts. This year, Leonardo’s work earned national recognition when he won Gold at Blas na hÉireann for his handcrafted panettone in the Christmas Cake category. He’s also the first person to produce artisanal panettone in the west of Ireland, and one of only a handful making it entirely by hand nationwide. With panettone now one of the most beloved Christmas desserts around the world, Leonardo is proud to share this tradition with the community in West Clare. Leonardo joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus.