February 3rd, 2010
Mason’s…Restaurant…Review…Easton, Maryland…
Have you ever been to a town called Celebration, in Celebration, Florida (Orlando)? Well, this town was modeled after small American towns and neighborhoods from the early 1900’s. It is not that I want to live like in the early 1900’s. But the idea of living in a town or neighborhood where you can safely walk the sidewalks, talk to your neighbors from their balconies and walk into shops and post offices and become friends, brings nostalgic feelings to my heart.
I believe that towns like Lewes, Princess Anne, Oxford, Berlin, St. Augustine, Milton all of which are located in Maryland, Delaware and Florida have served as models for the above mentioned Celebration concept. One other town, Easton, Maryland, is a perfect example of small town living. With its charming streets, homes and businesses at close proximity to pedestrians, it lets people connect with one another.
Tuesday was a day for a road trip. It took Cindi and I to the town of Easton. We went to meet Susan, a friend that we had not seen for about 6 years. What kind of friends are we? I guess we just have been dealing with our own families, schools, businesses and even though we are only about 1 1/2 hours away, we just let those years slip by.
Cindi and I met in Georgetown, Delaware, and I told her I definitely would take her through the short cut. Well that did not happen since every field looked the same; covered with snow. We made it, though.
Easton, Maryland, just in case you don’t know about this town, is in Talbot County; its County Seat. Its location is at the headwaters of the Tred Avon River. Because of its rivers and creeks it is very popular with boaters.
I have been talking about this small town, but don’t kid yourself, this is a very well connected town. It does not roll its sidewalks at dusk either. Throughout the year it is the host of art festivals, including the very popular Waterfowl Festival. Easton is the home of chic shops, antique shops and restaurants. A wide variety of lodgings are available, as well, including the Historic Tidewater Inn.
The Avalon Theater is another place that should not be missed. It is a happening place. It is located on 40 East Dover St., Easton, MD 21601. Tel. 410822-7299. Website is www.avalontheatre.com. This theater brings you from Symphony to Bluegrass, Comedians to Art Festivals; really, entertainment for the whole family. It was built in 1921. Three world premieres opened at this theater, including “The First Kiss” with Gary Cooper and Fay Ray; filmed in Easton and St. Michaels. Please visit the website above mentioned for more information on the Avalon Theater and upcoming performances. They have their whole schedule up.
Legal Spirits & Avalon Theater
It was time to meet for lunch. Susan met us at Mason’s. This restaurant is located on 22 South Harrison St. in Easton. Tel. 410-822-3204. E-mail is masons@masonsgourmet.com and the website is www.masonsgourmet.com.
You can see from the pictures that this restaurant embodies the small town living. The charming house which was converted into the restaurant greets you with such warmth. One side of the house is the restaurant and on the other side; a more casual and lighter atmosphere. Coffee, gourmet chocolates, candies and wines are all available for purchase.
Mason’s was established in 1966. By visiting the website you will find their history and what they are all about, including menus.
Today I had their Davon Crest Baby Green Salad with candied pecans, peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese and honey mustard vinaigrette. I then added fried oysters on top. Great presentation and taste. The honey mustard added the perfect kick to the salad.
Cindi had their Daily Deep Dish Quiche with baby mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette. This quiche looked beautiful. Cindi had been having a quiche craving so she was perfectly happy.
In French cuisine, a quiche is a baked dish that is based on a custard made from eggs, and milk or cream in a pastry crust. But I don’t think that a lot of people would know that even though it is considered a dish of French cuisine, it really originated in Germany. The word “Quiche” is from the German “Kuchen”, meaning cake.
Susan decided on the Chicken Salad Plate. It had also fruit salad and pasta salad on the side. Great presentation, as well.
Did I forget to tell you that today was Susan’s birthday? Yes, on Groundhog Day. We ordered a chocolate torte. Velvety smooth, rich and delicious. It went well with my espresso.
Susan's Chocolate Torte
Mason’s service was prompt, attentive and discreet. Kari, our server, let us catch up, knowing that we had not seen each other for a long time.
So, even though Easton is a little bit of a drive from the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland, it is really worth visiting.
A Tip: The only suggestion I would have for Mason’s is that its staff should be informed about ingredients in their chocolates and baked goods in case a customer has a food allergy.
Note: Information of Quiche was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiche.
Enjoying a meal with friends is something that is priceless. Really, it is!!
Talk to you later…
Tags: Berlin, Bethany Beach, Carryout, Delaware Beaches, Dewey Beach, Easton, Fenwick Island, gourmet market, Lewes, lunch and dinner, Maryland, Ocean City, rehoboth beach, Restaurant, Restaurants, review, Reviews, South Bethany
