Food

By Kelly Prew
Food Editor

What will it be today? A hamburger? No. Pizza? No. How about a Skinny Lunch?

For more than three decades, the Skinny Lunch has been the most popular thing on the menu at The Honey Tree, a family-owned health food store and eatery located at 211 Shelley Drive in Tyler.

“The Skinny Lunch is the same thing I served,” says Frances Keaton, daughter of original Honey Tree owner Richard Harvey. “When I was in high school, I worked behind the snack bar, and now more than 30 years later, my daughter does.”

The Skinny Lunch is a choice of one of four toppings on Akmak (whole grain) crackers and is served with a choice of a green salad or the salad bar — just one recipe that exemplifies the family’s home and business philosophy.

Frances came back to Tyler and took on shared responsibility in the store, operated by her mother Evelyn Harvey, after her father died in 2005.

“My father was devoted to fresh, natural ingredients,” Frances says. “When I was a young girl, I lived the philosophy.

“He wanted to translate this into a business. Just like on the West Coast, people were focusing more and more on natural, locally grown foods. My dad believed in eating local way before his time.

“We continue to promote the natural lifestyle with the freshest, most natural ingredients. This is how I grew up. This is something he lived into us and believed it. These were the principles behind The Honey Tree. My family has tried to carry on the same theme. We pride ourselves that people have confidence in our products.”

Frances’ daughter Evelyn Keaton and cook Maria Balderes are familiar faces during the daily lunch rush. Both are guardians of some of The Honey Tree’s well-known recipes, including Pineapple, Papaya, Mango Salsa, a staple on the salad bar. There are others, too.

Fran’s Chicken Salad and the vegetable beef stew served daily are well-praised among regular customers, and the family has vowed to keep those recipes and the daily special recipes secret.

“I’ve been working here for a very long time,” Maria says. “I pretty much know how to make everything, and I get to eat healthy.”

There are new menu items when one of the women feels creative. All of them point to Frances as the creator of quiches, while Maria is regarded for her green enchiladas.

“We serve them every day, and they are very popular,” she says.

Evelyn Keaton’s craisin, coconut and oatmeal cookies are favored, too. Her sister, Lauren, also contributes to cookie-making with a gourmet, natural peanut butter, oatmeal and chocolate chip variety. Those go fast if you’re not there first.

A second choice for dessert is natural soft-serve yogurt, available daily.

Everything on the menu is made from quality, healthful ingredients, including the sweets, green teas and hot lunch items.

“We notice what’s good and we put those ingredients in the things we make,” Evelyn Keaton said. “We utilize things like avocado, salmon and almonds. We do our research.”

Frances adds, “We have served things on the menu that have endured for 30 years. We try to support our local farmers and sell local honey.”

As an added treat, if you stop by on Tuesday or Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., licensed massage therapist Lynda Pendley offers chair massages in 10-, 20- or 30-minute sessions for $12 to $30. She accepts cash or check only.

Those who visit The Honey Tree for lunch or for a natural fix for one of life’s many ailments will notice a small framed, red headed woman giving advice or chatting with customers when she’s not working the register.

“The legacy of my dad lives on,” Frances says smiling. “But the real daily special is my mom. Everyone loves to come in and talk to Miss Evelyn (Harvey). She is very knowledgeable, and if you want to see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, just look at my beautiful mom.”

Pineapple, Papaya, Mango Salsa
Courtesy The Honey Tree

Mix ingredients together. Serve cold. Yields four to five portions.

Clockwise from left, Maria Balderas, Evelyn Keaton, Frances Harvey Keaton and Evelyn Harvey stick by the healthful philosophy that began more than 30 years ago with original Honey Tree owner, the late Richard Harvey. The women are committed to creating recipes with fresh, locally grown foods.
((Staff Photo By Tom Turner))