The Trees

I spent many years working as upstairs waiter, then chef in the trees. Working for my late parents Yolanda and Angelo Lamarra the restaurant was very busy. I remember on Saturdays, holiday Mondays and the festive season, the queue would go almost the full way down to the street. My parents bought the business from the previous owner (Mrs Miller) who wanted to retire. I remember printing menus with 3 different, 3 course lunches from 3 shillings to 3 shillings and sixpence and top menu at 4 bob. Steak pie veg and potatoes and the best fish and chips anywhere were on the pricey 4 shillings menu. A choice of soups or other starters followed by main and typical desert of eves sponge and custard, rice and raisins or ice cream and fruit all table served by our 5 waitresses later 6 when my aunt Flora took to the floor. The delightful Julia Macdonald (later Julia Rainey) was head waitress. We almost knew everyone of our regulars by their first names. Sadly Angelo died in 1998, followed by Flora then in 2008 we lost my mother, Yolanda who purchased the business in 1962/3 to allow Angelo to finally retire from the Avon fish restaurant in Saracen street, Possilpark. Angelo's oldest son Sergio eventually took over the Avon after running a news kiosk in Buchanan street for a very short time. The Trees was also later run by Sergio. Writing this has brought back so many memories and made me appreciate the very hard work and long hours worked by my wonderful Mum and Dad for the benefit of their 3 children. I miss them so much. Mario Lamarra