Park Lark

The Party Guests gathered at the Balboa Park museum to commemorate its 35th anniversary. Some dressed in full Dr. Seuss regalia in homage to the museum’s first “angel,” longtime patron Audrey Geisel, who was honored at the evening’s festivities; others donned colorful cocktail attire. How to party? With mezcal shots (chased with mandarins and salt) from acclaimed Tijuana chef Miguel Ángel Guerrero. The Scene Outside on the Prado, Niki de Saint Phalle’s iconic “Nikigator” kept a watchful eye over the cocktail hour festivities before the crowd moved indoors, where the museum paid tribute to its first-ever exhibit, Folk Toys of the World. Suitably, Mingei founder and director emeritus Martha Longenecker was on hand to recall that first venture and to blow out some shared candles: The 35th anniversary celebrations took place on the culture crusader’s 93rd birthday. The Highlight Guerrero’s Baja travelogue screened at the museum late last year. Returning to craft the gala’s showstopping menu, the intrepid chef opened with grilled crab claws and delicate tuna tostadas, followed by a mesquite-brined rack of lamb and duck sopes with goat cheese and hibiscus, plus a luscious lava cake for dessert. Photography by Vincent Andrunas