Dinner at Felix’s in Orange The wonderful, wonderful Felix’s in Orange

Last night Larry and I headed down to the Circle in Orange for a little Cuban food at Felix’s. Haven’t been there? Neither had we, but had been dying to try it. See, Larry isn’t from Orange County and he is on a quest to make it “feel” like home. To him, the key to this is, first, acquiring good friends, next the creation of fond memories and then, an accumulation of his top seven ethnic restaurants to call his favorites.

He has been checking them off his list since we moved here–slowly. He is very particular about his dining experience. After years in San Francisco, you can hardly blame him for his picky palate. Every new place has more than just the food as a hurdle; atmosphere, wait staff (which criteria isn’t always the obvious, friendly–quirky, charmingly chatty, and even odd are merited qualities) and location all play a big part in Larry’s choice of favorite spots–which leads to his ultimate pledge of “citizenship” in Orange County.

Alright, Cuban food–check! He loved Felix’s.

The food was authentic, simple and wholesome.

Chicken Soup

Chicken Conselo (Thanks Marcy, yum!) This is perfect for the don’t-like-it-too-spicy-type (Jana).

The wait staff were the obvious friendly, but also had an appropriate amount of forgetfulness and wit. We sat outside, which sadly prohibited us from a drink, but happily allowed us to watch as the demonstrators (Support our Troops vs. We Support Our Troops, Bring Them Home) chanted and sang their songs.

Nothing like the shouts of a good protest and whiffs of exhaust from motorcycles to add to a dining experience. All we needed was the view of a shanty town and it would have been just like eating in our beloved San Francisco.

After dinner we walked around the Circle and came up on O’Hara’s, or simply O’s. Hmmm, an Irish bar to call our own? That would really make OC feel like a home.

Though I tease him, I too believe it’s the small restaurants, bars, theaters and shops that make a place feel like you are LIVING there.