Masons

It’s almost startling to think about how long Brad and I have been together. 

Five years ago at 344 Rathdowne Street in Carlton North, I remember we go for dinner at Black Ruby, a restaurant that specialised in gluten free food, where we sat in the window and got lost in a fit of giggles over a bottle of wine. 

So it’s kind of fascinating to revisit a date spot, that I have surprisingly vivid memories of (for being a random date night), and see it transformed into something else. 

Masons Cafe and Footsore is a refreshing addition to the quiet end of Carlton in Rathdowne Village. What I remember as a dark and slightly boozy place, is now bright, airy and so refreshing. 

It’s a spot in the village to grab something to eat a home later, have a quick coffee, or sit down and chill out for a while with their cheery yellow teapots and warm and rich looking coffees. 

I believe Brad enjoyed a special, taking all our favourite things, scrambled eggs and bacon, happily sandwiched in a burger. Simple, well done, and deliciously hearty. 

My pumpkin and thyme bad beans with tilted spinach on top of a thick slice of gluten free bread was pure comfort on a cool and breezy morning. I loved the sweetness of the pumpkin with the baked beans, and the fluffiness in texture it brought as well. The touch of sesame seeds over the top added a beautiful earthiness to the sweetness. 

Easy, laid back, and comforting. With all the hype around cafes these days, sometimes it’s just nice to get back to basics. 

Masons 

344 Rathdowne Street

Carlton North