Got a thing for homemade tortillas? Pozole? Tamales? No need to go south of the border…or even south of Highway 4! On your way to work or as your last chance “on-the-way-to-ski-food,” or even for après-ski appetizers, Mason’s is convenient for uphill or downhill travelers on the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway.
Right along my “commute” to work is this new little place where I can get a fresh cup of coffee or a warm muffin. On a cycling day, I might break for one of Mason’s protein shakes. For lunch, my “usual” has been the chicken burrito – warm rice, whole beans and crisp salsa wrapped in a hearty homemade tortilla…until today…this afternoon Stephanie (“Sugar”) prepared me a savory batch of nachos with fresh chile verde, one of Mason’s Hispanic specialties. Blended to a smooth, tasty consistency with tomatillos from Big Trees Market, the chile verde adds a fresh, succulent topping to Mason’s tacos, burritos, tostadas and nachos.Owned and operated by Kristen and Emerick Flores who now live in Arnold, the café is named for their 7-month old son. In fact, a Mason jar labeled “Mason’s College Fund” sits on the counter near the register, welcoming spare change. Other family members that help out or “inspire” at Mason’s are Kristen’s dad, son Darrion, and toddler Brayden.
The Flores opened Mason’s Café on October 20 after a fast and furious refurbishing of the old Honey Bear Donuts shop. Nestled along Highway 4 next to Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen, Mason’s menu includes a variety of Hispanic dishes, coffee drinks, protein shakes and pastries. Other specialties include breakfast burritos, tamales, pozole, and traditional menudo which has been a hot seller. Coming soon: taco salad with a twist, “migas” or chilaquiles, buñuelos, whole-wheat tortillas, and espresso! Kristen is taking orders for Thanksgiving pies - choose from pumpkin, apple or peach cobbler. Customers can sidle up to the counter along the wall to enjoy their Mason’s meal, eat on the patio, or take out their provisions. With years of culinary, coffee shop, deli, and grocery store experience, Kristen reports that her family came here to Arnold to relax. So far, between the non-profit group home they run in Stockton and the start-up of Mason’s, the couple’s 17-hour days have not afforded them an abundance of leisure. Kristen and Stephanie reminisced of a recent midnight madness frenzy of making tamales to fulfill an order. This week they are preparing for a catered event for 60 at Bear Valley. Yet their friendliness and hard work allow them to enjoy serving a varied and unique cuisine to the community and to visitors, and they are still hopeful to squeeze in some R & R. At least for 11 year-old Darrion, hitting the slopes is on his winter menu.
Mason’s Grand Opening celebration will be on Thanksgiving weekend and will feature a burrito and a pie-eating contest. The $25 entry fee will benefit a local wildlife program. Open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mason’s menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Tortillas are going like crazy! If you want tamales, you’ll need to give Mason’s about a 2-week notice. Watch for daily specials and Mason’s winter menu which will feature added items and a change of hours to 5 days a week, including later hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Mosey on over to Mason’s for a traditional tortilla-wrapped taste treat or a warm bowl (32 ounces!) of a Mexican-style soup. Then delight in a delectable dessert such as Brayden’s Oreo Dream (Yum! Had to try it since this IS investigative reporting, you know!) or the unique Blueberry Pie Burrito! For the health conscious diner, slurp down a savory protein shake made with special powder by Dr. Gregory, Kristen’s dad.
Mason’s is at 810 Highway 4, on the “uphill side” of Arnold. Call for catering, or phone in your to-go order for convenient pick-up, 795-5111.
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