Desert Island Dish with Mason and Christina Ayer

We recently caught up with husband-and-wife duo Mason and Christina Ayer, the CEO and CFO of Kerbey Lane Cafe, for the latest installment of our Desert Island Dish Series.

The backstory: Mason Ayer was born just months after his parents, David Ayer and Patricia Atkinson, opened the first Kerbey Lane location in 1980 at 3704 Kerbey Lane, and spent his childhood scraping gum off the tables.

• Christina Ayer grew up working in local establishments like Kerbey Lane and Whole Foods.

Between the lines: The restaurant has become a local staple and has 10 locations, including one in San Marcos and one in San Antonio.

What's the one dish you'd want with you on a desert island?

Mason Ayer: "That's an easy one, I love the French dip sandwich from Bartlett's."

Christina Ayer: "I'm always in the mood for the cochinita pibil from Fonda San Miguel."

You can bring along a dessert. What's it going to be?

Mason Ayer: My go-to sweet treat is from Amy's Ice Cream. I prefer the waffle cone with dark chocolate ice cream and strawberries as a crush'n.

Christina Ayer: Any time I need to satisfy my sweet tooth I choose a Cinnamon Roll pancake from Kerbey Lane.

What are you drinking to quench your thirst?

Mason and Christina Ayer: "It's unanimous. We both love a Matt's El Rancho frozen margarita with Grand Marnier floater."

What's next: From now through Monday, you can call any location to preorder a $129 Thanksgiving family package that includes turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, broccoli and rolls.

• Kerbey Lane Westlake, Central, San Marcos and San Antonio will be closed on Thanksgiving, but all other locations will be open from 7am to 3pm with a traditional holiday plate on the menu.

📍 If you go: Kerbey Lane hours vary by location.

• As if you needed us to say it: Get the Kerbey Queso.