Later she had to choose a University, so she went to Budapest Corvinus University to learn Vinology and Oenology. At the same time, she was attending a night school to be trained as a chef.

She finished her studies in 2016. Afterwards, she worked at many restaurants and received some unique opportunities such as being a chef on the prestigious CIIE in Shanghai, and at various wine tasting dinners at Homonna Winery and Lenkey Winery.

Throughout the years, she served different dishes in several amazing ceramics made by famous Hungarian ceramic artists. One day she met her friend on the highway and told her she wanted to try pottery for some years, and as it turned out her mother had a studio where she could finaly try it.

Luca started making ceramics for the first time in 2017, while she was still working at a restaurant, as a pastry chef. Later, she moved to Geiranger, Norway for a job, but soon after she came back to Hungary because she got offered a place at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest (MOME) in 2019.

During her studies, she was involved in some inspiring projects related to gastronomy which resulted in her creating a porcelain salt-shaker and egg plate in her signature style. In 2021 her Lichi bowl and Jackfruit bowl was chosen for the Hungarian Ceramics Biennial.

Luca thinks one of her biggest achievements is that she made plates for Ensō Izakaya Budapest. Currently, she is working at a shared studio in Budapest, and creating ceramics.

1. Where did you grow up?

In Budapest.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Norway.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

My family, friends, the language, and the Hungarian cuisine.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

They must visit my farmers market, Czakó Farmers Market. I would show them some craft brewery, and the best restaurants. I would show the Kiscelli museum and go to the sauna on the side of the Danube.

5. What is your favourite food?

I love cheese. When I was a kid I was keen on Hortobágyi húsos palacsinta (Meet pancake Hortobágyi style). Now I really like deep-fried oysters with aioli and pistachio ice cream.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

I often do stretching, yoga, but also like skiing and scuba diving.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

The Sebes-Körös river. There is a place where the river goes really fast and you can have a shower at the dam.

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Scuba diving guide.

9. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Dishwashing in a hotel.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

In the countryside, in Kerecseny in a cabin that we rented with my friends. Before that, I spent my new year in Trysil with my Czech friend.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

In Japan, I hope. But I also look forward to going to London and visiting my sister at her graduation ceremony at the Royal College of Art.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

My favourite film was The Green Butchers. My favourite band was Greenday, Blink182 and Earth, Wind and Fire. I used to do macramé.

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Good food, or something exciting.

14. Red wine or white?

In wintertime mostly red, in the summertime I prefer white, but always dry!

15. Book or movie?

Movie

16. Morning person or night person?

Day person :)

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

People wasting food. Also the tons of packaging on delivery stuff is hard to see for me.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Buda. I lived on the Pest side as well, which I really liked, but now I appreciate the green area, the hills, and the forest more than the city centre and pubs.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

My ceramic orders.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

I always listened to my intuitions, and I never regretted it. I suggest to everyone; never choose a path just for money and do not let anyone make you impressionable. Your body and soul know what you need.

Interview text translated by Szilvia Molnár, a professional freelance writer, travel expert, mom of two, and admitted coffee addict. Though not necessarily in that order. Connect with her on LinkedIn or read about her latest travel experiences on the Exploration Lounge website.