a eulogy to Felix’s Continental Cafe

by sophie

When I heard that Felix's was closing I was so depressed. Felix’s was my favorite restaurant and I had been going there since I was a baby. This Cuban restaurant was located in the Orange Circle and served practically home-cooked meals.

I have spent many Friday night after-school dinners here, bringing my college friends from out of state, and courting my boyfriend for a comforting meal in this very spot. It saddens me that this place closed because I always wanted to film something in this sentimental restaurant.

I spent my last two visits at Felix’s with my mom and sister. My mom found out about the restaurant’s closing on the Tuesday of the week it was closing and we knew we had to get our last fill of their food before it was too late. 

We went for lunch the day before it closed and I was stunned to see how packed the place. I couldn't help but wonder, if people were so sad to see it go, where were they earlier? The Circle of Orange had become one of those trendy wannabe spots, bringing in more acai bowl places, hip cafes, and the occasional new chicken tender joint. However, the Orange Circle I knew growing up was a vintage hub full of antique stores and diners such as Watson's which has been laid to rest. I suppose with a college being a block away, the Circle wanted to stay new and away from the old, and already standing it went.

As we ate our last meals on both days, I overheard so many grateful thank you's from customers who had been coming here over the years. The story I remember the most was from a doctor who came to Orange County in the 90s. He was one of many who gave the owner a firm handshake as he told him how he had been coming here, bringing his colleagues to this restaurant over the years.

Now, whenever I drive through the Circle, I look at the empty building where the business once stood. An empty shell of the good times that used to be had. I wonder who will occupy the space next and what entrepreneurship they'll bring. I like to hope it will be a nail salon or maybe one of those cute photobooth places. That's what I'd put in there. I just hope whatever will pay the rent next will bring as much joy as the inhibitors before them.

Even though it makes me sad that Felix’s went out of business, I guess that’s just the way with things. You can go on and blame things such as the newer restaurants and businesses driving crowds away and such, but I’m sure there were other businesses before our “older” stores and restaurants in the Circle right now. In the end, you just have to be grateful for the doors that were once open, and hope for better ones to open again.

MY GO-TO ORDER

I would usually get the dinner special which had:

Appetizer: Soup of the Day (My favorite was the fish soup)

Entree: Pollo Criollo

Dessert: Tres Leches

Drink: Diet Coke with lemon or lime

Snack: Bread and Butter and Hot Sauce