Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, 13560 Roller Coaster Road, has opened in the Marketplace at Flying Horse, bringing a taste of the Northeast to the Springs, with a nod to its new home in Colorado.

The franchise owner is Jason Arends, who has owned several businesses in Colorado, including car dealerships, and dabbled in construction, roofing, synthetic exterior and landscaping. Though new to the restaurant industry, he had an eye out for something new to the Springs that he thought would be well received here and enjoyed: fresh lobster.

While the basic menu is small and chock-full of all things crustacean deliciousness one dish shouts true Colorado: chili.

Surprised to see a black pot of chili in the lineup with lobster bisque and New England clam chowder, we questioned the cowboy-style staple.

“It’s a nod to our Western roots,” he said. “It’s a unique menu item for our store.”

And we might add it’s one of the better tasting recipes of chili we’ve tasted. It’s thick with ground meat and beans, with just a little spicy kick at the finish. Something we’d recommend giving a try.

Speaking of those featured other options, we learned that the precious seafood is sourced from fishermen and processed in Maine before being shipped to the restaurant chain locations.

On our first visit to the new eatery, we tried the Classic Lobster Roll and the Connecticut Roll, both priced at $23 each. The classic is served chilled with mayo and lemon butter on a toasted roll, and the Connecticut comes warm, with butter poured over silky lobster meat. Both feature generous portions of tender lobster that contrast beautifully with the buttery crunch of the toasted bun.

Other menu highlights include shrimp and crab rolls, lobster grilled cheese, and lobster mac and cheese. Sides include tater tots, potato salad, coleslaw, or chips, along with lobster, shrimp, crab, or garden salads. For dessert, don’t miss the Whoopie cookie – a chocolate-and-vanilla treat from Sweet Sam’s Bakery in New York – for a sweet East Coast finish.

Mason’s is open 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A drive-through window is also available.
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New Thai food and bakery open

Jasmine Andrew has opened a third restaurant for fans of her award-winning Thai cuisine: White Lotus Café and Bakery, 13141 Bass Pro Drive. Her other popular eateries str NaRai Thai Restaurant in Rockrimmon area and NaRai Siam Cuisine on Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard. Andrew has been delighting Colorado Springs diners since 2008, when she opened her first restaurant in the Rockrimmon Village Center.

“This is my baby,” she said during a recent visit to White Lotus. “My other restaurants are leased, and when rent goes up, I have no control. I was able to purchase this space, which is much better financially.”

Andrew redesigned the interior to create a bright, welcoming space filled with natural light by day and a warm, cozy ambiance at night — perfect for enjoying her signature dishes anytime.

The menu features many favorites from her other restaurants, along with breakfast and lunch offerings exclusive to this location. “We have Asian- and Western-style dishes,” she said. “I also added 15 new dishes to this menu, and when the bakery is fully operating, I’ll be filling my cabinet with new sweet treats.”

On our visit, we didn’t have time to dine, but one dessert by the entrance caught our eye — a pandan chiffon cake with coconut filling. “This is my signature cake,” Andrew said. “We get frozen pandan leaves and crush them in a blender to release the juice.”

At home, slicing into the smooth white frosting revealed a pale-green sponge layered with thick shavings of fresh coconut — subtly flavored with pandan and finished with a satisfying, gentle coconut crunch. A heavenly ending, indeed.

We’ll return soon to explore more of the new breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Details: 719-309-9840, whitelotuscafe.com/menu.

Holiday tea at the Margarita
The Margarita at PineCreek, 7350 Pine Creek Road, is offering its festive tea, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 13. For $38 (plus tax and tip), you sample an array of teas, savory bites and homemade pastries. Reservations are required at 719-598-8667.