Tracy Borkum of Urban Kitchen Group (Photo Courtesy of Mingei International Museum)
Food | Balboa Park

Gastronomy at the Mingei

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The reopening of the Mingei International Museum on Sept. 3 shows off some impressive renovations that were made over the last three years. They include 10,000 additional square feet of exhibit space, an education center and theater, a new courtyard, and two dining venues.

For the first time in nearly a decade the redo brings fresh eating options to Balboa Park, thanks to a partnership formed between the museum and Urban Kitchen Group. The group is run by local restaurateur Tracy Borkum of Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hills. She owns similar dining spots throughout Southern California as well.

We were told by the museum’s deputy director and chief advancement officer, Jessica Hanson York, that Borkum is a longtime friend of the Mingei and that “she had the vision and ability to develop a dining destination that would have real resonance with the museum’s mission.”

The result is ARTIFACT, a full-service restaurant where art and ancient cooking methods merge as a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions. Among the design features are a 30-foot bar with a counter top made of reclaimed wood, and a large sound-absorbing wool mural titled “Truth and Beauty in Black” by artist Claudy Jongstra. It’s due to open in October.

CRAFT Cafe opens in conjunction with the museum on Sept. 3. The menu offers grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches such as made-to-order egg dishes, paninis, salads, smoothies and locally sourced pastries.
The menus for both ventures are spearheaded by Urban Kitchen Group’s executive chef, Tim Kolanko.