The McKinney Metamorphosis

by Autumn Rhea Carpenter

The last time I visited McKinney, Texas, the downtown square resembled most Texas small towns centered around a court house: antiques galore stocked with quilts, bluebonnet paintings and Grandma’s ironing set, a few sleepy cafes serving pie and coffee and oh yeah….more antiques. But a recent visit proved that McKinney has received the memo that its sophisticated residents and tourists want upscale lodging and shopping choices and dinner served past 5pm.

While strolling the square, I saw a mixture of contemporary art galleries, yoga studios (which also offer belly dancing), salons, wineries, clothing boutiques (selling customized colorful cowboy boots!) and yes, the occasional antique store. The streets glittered with nightlife activity, proving that the sleepy town has truly awakened.

My impression continued to change while awaiting room access at The Grand Hotel, McKinney's only luxury boutique hotel, which is located on the town square. I learned that in April of 2009, owner Don Day completed $2,644,000 worth of renovations adding 32 rooms and 16,000 square-feet, equaling 46 available rooms.

“Prior to the addition of the Grand Hotel and Rick’s Chophouse along with the streetscape renovation in 2008, McKinney’s downtown was seen as a bit shabby,” said Day. “There were older shops, lots of antiques – nothing with that WOW factor. Through this economic downturn our downtown has thrived, and a lot of that success has to do with the more affluent crowd that now makes downtown a destination.”

The intimate lobby conveyed its history without overkill. Amidst the restored rustic hardwood flooring, authentic red brick walls and a dark walnut wood, the space exudes a cozy library mood. The high-end Western decor didn't overdo the cowboy idea. Time period pistols and accessories were showcased, including a brass-powder canister, powder horns, a colt single-action revolver and several two-dollar bills.

Our room boasted 15-foot ceilings, significant furniture, pressed tin ceilings, thoughtful art pieces as well as a granite bathroom and customized lighting.

Leaving my room, I noticed a spectacular chandelier hanging in the nearby ballroom. I investigated the open space, where Rick Wells, co-owner of Rick's Chophouse, (located on the hotel's ground floor) said 100 weddings happened last year. "The first time I opened these doors I was greeted by a gang of pigeons," he said. "We've come a long way since then. I've opened many restaurants across the country, and this one has been particularly fulfilling because McKinney is a small town that embraces its past."

Anticipating the four-star Rick's Chophouse cuisine (where Brad Pyle serves as director of operations and sommelier), I detoured into the hotel's bar. Boomers and hipsters sipped cocktails in low-slung couches, near a grand piano. A live band was setting up, (as per usual Thursday through Saturday) and our server, Rachel, later informed us that bongo sessions were a reoccurring popular event.

I cruised the 19th century-style restaurant's hallways, enjoying black and white photographs depicting McKinney's rich history. I noticed a rare photo lineup of rough riders posed along the building’s entrance, noted among them were Jesse James and brother Frank. Fitting background music from Willie Nelson, Nora Jones and friends lulled its patrons.

Once seated at our chop-block tabletop, I noticed the worn limestone walls (circa 1885, which were discovered under plaster walls during renovation), iron chandeliers and deep leather booths. "The restaurant business is my life, because it brings everything I love together: food, art and entertainment," said Wells. The Oklahoma native who grew up in a family restaurant business, commissioned nine artists to create sculptures throughout the chophouse, continuing the careful combination of cowboy and couture. Design elements appreciated, it was time to chow. I decided Wells would match each selection with a wine, trusting his experienced palette. 

San Antonio native and executive chef Paul Peterson (who appeared on the TLC show "BBQ Pitmasters" and attended the Culinary Institute of America in New York applied his trademark philosophy of 'keeping it simple by using the best ingredients then let them speak for themselves.' 

The food odyssey began with chilled jumbo shrimp. I dipped the delectable prawns dusted with cayenne pepper into a horseradish cocktail sauce mixed with remoulade. A light spring sea bass was served next, displayed a top garlic mashed potatoes and baby asparagus and laced with citrus butter. Maque Chou cream corn and Cajun macaroni and cheese side dishes were offered, combining Southern traditions with an elegant twist. The experience continued with pecan- crusted salmon, fingerling potato salad, petit herb salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Unbelievably, the dishes persevered with a medium-cooked Cowboy, which is a bone-in ribeye, along with baked potato, béarnaise and onion rings. Each wine matched perfectly, including sauvingnon blanc Chateau St. Michelle 'Horse Heaven', pinot gris Masi Masianco, chardonnay Louis Latour Chassagne Montrachet, Chardonnay Norton Bordega and Ray's Station. 

With these colossal portions, I managed to nibble a few bites of the delectable Texas pecan pie, covered with whisky chocolate sauce and topped with vanilla-bean ice cream from Henry's in Plano. It wasn't the typical gooey concoction associated with this type of pie, but focused on the pecan’s natural flavor. Not to be forgotten is the apple pie, also filled with sweet, flaky, natural goodness.

I appreciate how Day, Wells and their staff have successfully ushered McKinney's historic Old West into today's revitalized, chic downtown. Taste buds indulged and beauty sleep captured, I see another McKinney getaway in our future.

Contact Information:

Grand Hotel
114 West Louisiana Street
McKinney, Texas 75069
214.726.9250
http://www.grandhotelmckinney.com/

Rick's Chophouse
107 North Kentucky Street
Mckinney, TX 75069-4407
214.726.9251
http://www.rickschophouse.com/

Chef Paul Petersen
chefpaulpetersen.keepercollection.com

Photo Credits:

Mary Phillips Saturday Morning Photography
http://www.saturdaymorningblog.com/

Neal Hacker VIM Studio
http://vimstudio.com

Absolute Photography
http://www.absolutephoto.biz/