To enter Alex Tieghi-Walker’s world is to be reminded that objects carry memory. At TIWA Select, his gallery devoted to materiality, the handmade, and the deeply human, Tieghi-Walker works with artists whose practices are shaped by place, heritage, and intuition. Now based in Tribeca, the gallery brings together pieces often rooted in centuries-old techniques but pulsing with contemporary life, modern artifacts that echo with personal and cultural memory. In this edition of The Taste Trust, Tieghi-Walker takes us through his recent trip to Peru—from the galleries and gardens of Lima to the spring-fed ruins of the Sacred Valley and the volcanic baths of Chivay. Along the way, he shares the meals that lingered, the markets worth detouring for, and the objects that carry Peru home.
A book, film, or work of art you’d recommend to someone before visiting Peru
I always pick up some books to read before traveling (and often during). For Peru, I chose The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie (2007) — an incredible account of a pretty mind-blowing civilization. I'm so curious to know what the world would have looked like if this empire hadn't been wiped out by the conquistadores. I also read Mother of God: An Extraordinary Journey Into the Uncharted Tributaries of the Western Amazon by Paul Rosolie (2015), even though the Amazon wasn’t really part of our journey… I just like reading books about nature. Both were from McNally Jackson, who have a fantastic section of Latin American history and literature.
Your top 3 places to eat — Lima and elsewhere
Honestly, we had so few meals that weren’t memorable. If river trout ceviche was on the menu (or at a stall at the market), we would swoop in immediately. Restaurant-wise, Chuncho in Ollantaytambo — a wonderful eatery overlooking the main square and the ruins, serving mainly traditional ingredients and dishes. Really fresh and delicious. I ate a potato the size of a cabbage that had been freeze-dried for 10 years. It was strange for me, but I’m glad I tried it. ALQA is a real cultural experience. Traditional and indigenous ingredients with a modern kick and visually stunning dishes served on beautiful ceramics. We ate in the little courtyard as the sun set. Fav dining experience in all of Peru. Dinner at the Museo Larco in Lima was pretty incredible, mainly for the setting. We ambled around the impressive collection before sitting down underneath bougainvillea in the garden. I also loved Juanito Bario in Barranco — an old-school pisco bar with a fridge full of fresh ham, fish, and cheese that gets turned into delicious sandwiches (“mixto”). Any of the local ceviche stalls in the Sacred Valley, or closer to Chivay. The trout ceviche is always so fresh and perfect. I didn’t have a single bad ceviche.
Top 3 shopping destinations Any of the street markets in small towns — lots of lovely textiles. We also loved all the heavy-duty shopping bags and tarps sold in nearly every market. I also bought a lot of local produce like cheese (to eat on our trip) and honey (to bring home).
I also loved Artesanías Las Pallas in Barranco, Lima. A historic house-turned-gallery selling antique handicrafts and objets.
Top 3 cultural or outdoor experiences
