On November 10th, 2013, I took over the day to day management and long term vision and direction of Living in Luzern. One of the ideas I had was to introduce various members of the team to the living in Luzern readers with a couple of their top tips. It seems only appropriate that I give the first set of tips and in the process share a little bit about myself with you.
My name is Charlie Hartmann-Lucarotti, I was born in London and grew up on the beautiful island of Corsica. I studied film making at the Sorbonne in Paris but went on to become a theatre director and writer, as well as an events organiser. I met my “Luzerner” husband more than two decades ago in London and we spent the first 10 years as expats, moving 11 times during that time.
We came back to Switzerland in 2000 and lived in Engelberg for four years before moving closer to Zürich. Within 48 hours of that move I realised that it was a mistake as my heart already belonged to Luzern. We looked for propriety and finally moved here in 2011. I set up the Lucerne World Theatre Company and got involved with the town’s integration committee and launched several volunteer projects.
As a former expat I feel that I have a real understanding of the needs and difficulties faced by people moving here. I LOVE Luzern and really want to make people’s transition here as smooth as possible.
Tip #1: My Favourite Thing To Do
Walk through the market on a Saturday morning and stop off for a Latte Macchiato preferably on a terrace when it’s sunny.
Tip #2: My Favourite Place to Shop
I am a foodie and was thrilled to find this little Indian supermarket which has fresh seafood, including fresh crabs, bonitos and lobster and an assortment of English products at very reasonable prices. AMS Supermarket, Haupstrasse 54, 6015 Luzern
Tip #3: My Favourite Hang-Out with my Daughter on a Rainy Day
Definitely the transport museum, we have the family card and it pays for itself so quickly…
Tip #4: My Favourite Restaurants
- I love Zum Pfistern for their Salmon Tartare washed down with a glass of Schloss Heidegg white wine.
- I can always find a reason to go to La Cucina; a word of warning though, be sure you really want all the attention if you go there for a birthday party. You’ll end up with all the waiters serenading you.
- Khoua Vientiane is the best Vietnamese take-away restaurant I’ve found here. Love its Phò.
Tip #5: My Favourite Cocktail Bar
Marc at the National Bar makes the best Lemon Drops anywhere.
I hope that if we haven’t already, I’ll get to meet you soon. You can always find me at the Information Coffees every other Wednesday morning at the Sentitreff.
