What’s in Season? A Chef’s Guide to Eating with the Seasons—And Why It Tastes Better

At Harvest at the Masonic in Downtown McKinney, TX, every dish tells a story—one rooted in the soil of North Texas and brought to life by the seasons. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Andrea Shackelford, our kitchen celebrates the rhythm of nature by designing menus that change with the harvest. But why does eating seasonally matter? And how can it elevate the dining experience?

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of seasonal eating, the art behind our ingredient selection, and what’s currently in season across Collin County. Whether you're a local food enthusiast or simply curious about our farm-to-table philosophy, this is your inside look at why fresh, seasonal food just tastes better.

The Philosophy of Eating with the Seasons

Seasonal eating is more than a culinary trend—it’s a sustainable and time-honored approach to food. When we build our menus around what's growing right now, we create dishes that are naturally more flavorful, nutrient-dense, and environmentally responsible.

At Harvest at the Masonic, we work with Water Boy Farms and other regional growers who align with our values. We also collaborate with community-focused initiatives like the Harvest Seed Project Foundation to preserve food heritage and promote biodiversity in our region.

Chef Andrea Shackelford’s Seasonal Vision

Executive Chef Andrea Shackelford brings both artistry and integrity to every plate. Her culinary roots are deeply planted in Texas, and her approach is grounded in a love for the land and a deep respect for our farming partners. Chef Andrea is a champion of local ingredients, designing each menu around the freshest produce, pasture-raised meats, and small-batch pantry items available at any given time.

“Seasonal food speaks for itself,” says Chef Andrea. “When an heirloom tomato or a just-harvested fig is at its peak, you don’t have to do much. The ingredient leads the way.”

What’s in Season Right Now in McKinney, TX?

North Texas summers are a vibrant time for local produce. At this time of year, our kitchen is filled with the bounty of warm-weather crops. Here’s a taste of what’s inspiring our current dishes at Harvest:

• Tomatoes – Juicy heirlooms and sweet cherry varieties are at their peak, perfect for caprese salads and savory tarts.
• Peaches – Sourced from nearby orchards, our peaches are featured in cobblers, cocktails, and grilled entrées.
• Okra – Fried, pickled, or fire-roasted—okra is a Southern summer staple.
• Zucchini & Squash – Lightly charred or spiralized into seasonal pasta specials.
• Herbs – Basil, mint, and thyme are fresh from the garden and used in everything from sauces to desserts.

Our menus evolve weekly based on what’s coming in from the field, ensuring guests always experience something new and seasonal when they dine with us.

Why Seasonal Food Tastes Better

There’s a reason diners at Harvest at the Masonic consistently say our food “just tastes better.” Fresh, in-season ingredients are harvested at their peak ripeness, meaning they contain the highest concentration of natural sugars, acids, and nutrients. This results in bolder, brighter flavors and a noticeably better texture and aroma.

And because we source locally from the McKinney area, produce is often on your plate within 24–48 hours of being picked. That’s a freshness chain you won’t find at conventional restaurants sourcing from national distributors.

Local Impact: Supporting McKinney’s Food Ecosystem

Eating seasonally isn’t just good for your palate—it’s good for our community. By supporting nearby farms and local producers, we help sustain the small agricultural businesses that give McKinney and surrounding towns their unique culinary character.

When you dine at Harvest, you’re investing in a circular food system that includes organic farmers near Plano, sustainable growers in Melissa, family-owned dairies in Celina, and heritage seed programs in Collin County.

Visit Harvest at the Masonic for a True Taste of the Season

If you’ve been searching for a farm-to-table restaurant near McKinney, TX, let Harvest at the Masonic be your destination. With thoughtfully curated seasonal menus and Chef Andrea Shackelford at the helm, every visit offers a chance to explore what North Texas has to offer—straight from the farm, through the hands of our kitchen, and onto your plate.

Whether you’re joining us for weekend brunch, a romantic dinner, or a private event, you’ll experience seasonal ingredients at their peak, prepared with intention and served with genuine hospitality.

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The History of Farm-to-Table Dining and Its Modern Revival at Harvest at the Masonic in Downtown McKinney, TX

At Harvest at the Masonic in Downtown McKinney, Texas, we believe that food is more than just a meal—it's a connection to our land, our farmers, and our community. That’s why our menu is proudly rooted in the farm-to-table philosophy, a movement that values locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. But farm-to-table isn’t just a culinary trend—it’s a return to a way of life with deep historical roots.

A Brief History of Farm-to-Table

Long before industrial agriculture and global food distribution, all food was, by necessity, farm to table. In early American life, families grew or raised most of their food, relying on neighbors or nearby farmers for anything they couldn't produce themselves. Seasonal eating, preservation methods, and zero-waste cooking were all just part of everyday life.

However, with the rise of processed foods, supermarkets, and global food systems in the 20th century, the direct connection between consumers and growers began to fade. By the 1970s, a small group of visionary chefs and farmers started to push back—most notably in California, where Alice Waters and her famed restaurant Chez Panisse helped launch the modern farm-to-table movement by working directly with local producers.

Over time, farm-to-table evolved into a national and global movement that champions food transparency, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. And today, that legacy thrives in the heart of McKinney, TX.

Farm-to-Table at Harvest at the Masonic

At Harvest at the Masonic, farm-to-table isn’t just a slogan—it’s our foundation. Nestled in Historic Downtown McKinney, we are proud to source ingredients from local growers and artisans who share our commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity.

We build strong relationships with regional farms and suppliers, including:

• Water Boy Farms – A local farm that provides us with fresh herbs, heirloom vegetables, and responsibly grown produce straight from the soil of North Texas.
• The Seed Project Foundation – An incredible community initiative dedicated to preserving seed diversity and educating future generations about sustainable agriculture and responsible food sourcing.

By working with these and other producers, we ensure that every dish we serve tells a story—of place, of passion, and of people who care deeply about what they grow and how it’s grown.

Why Farm-to-Table Matters in McKinney, TX

With its growing population and thriving local economy, McKinney, Texas is the perfect place to embrace the farm-to-table lifestyle. Supporting nearby farms not only reduces environmental impact but also strengthens our regional food system and keeps dollars within our community.

Whether you’re coming from Frisco, Allen, Plano, or just a few blocks away, dining at Harvest means you’re contributing to a more sustainable food future—while enjoying some of the most flavorful and thoughtfully prepared meals in North Texas.

A Culinary Experience Rooted in Local Tradition

Our rotating seasonal menus are built around what’s fresh and available. That means no two visits are ever quite the same, but every visit reflects the rhythm of our region. From pasture-raised meats and organic vegetables to handcrafted desserts and small-batch Texas wines, our offerings celebrate the bounty of North Texas agriculture.

We also host special events, wine dinners, and educational programming that deepens our guests’ connection to the land, the harvest, and the people behind it all.

Visit Harvest at the Masonic in Downtown McKinney

Looking for a farm-to-table restaurant near McKinney, TX that blends fine dining with hometown hospitality? Look no further than Harvest at the Masonic. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a weekend brunch, or a private event, you'll taste the difference that locally sourced ingredients and genuine passion make.

Join us in embracing the farm-to-table philosophy—one plate at a time.