The story of a family’s traditonal cooking
and the American Dream
October 10, 2024
By: Miurlin Escalante
Maria Felix owner of Comedor Mari in Basin City
Born in Guerrero, Mexico, Maria Felix arrived from Mexico to Arizona before moving to Washington, where she met her husband Uriel Pena in the late 90s. While in Arizona, Felix worked in various restaurants, including fast food, and customer service jobs like grocery stores. That’s what led her to realize that she enjoyed working with customers and around food. She ended up moving to Washington to be closer to family and because she liked the idea of working in agriculture. Felix and Pena are raising four children, the two oldest currently help at the restaurant while the two younger ones still attend school.
Felix worked in agriculture for about two decades before deciding to change courses and opened Comedor Mari. The restaurant has cuisine from her hometown along with classics everyone can enjoy. You can enjoy tacos, quesadillas, sopes, enchiladas, and more Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sundays 9 am to 2 pm. Every Thursday they serve pozole and Saturday and Sunday they serve menudo. Besides that, there is a daily special that they pride themselves on serving. Felix stated that everything is made from scratch, including the tortillas (corn and flour) and aguas frescas. They also serve Red Bulls with your choice of flavoring, a favorite of her kids.
When asked what inspires her to cook, she replied with her mom. Felix says that is where her seasoning comes from; her mom. Felix’ mom is proud of what she has accomplished and comes and visits from Mexico occasionally. Felix is now teaching her daughter how to cook and passing on the traditions that she has learned.
Comedor Mari - located at 6850 Rd 170in Basin City - serving up traditional family recipes.
Comedor Mari is located in the old Patty Shack in Basin City. It looks completely different now, though, thanks to Pena. He works in construction and took it upon himself to do the remodel of the building. The inside no longer has any carpet or the long tables. It now has wood floors, multiple tables, and a sliding door that leads to patio seating that comes in handy during the spring and summer days. Felix is all smiles as she boasts about all the hard work Pena has put into their building, proudly speaking of her husband’s accomplishments as if hers were any less wonderful.
When asked what made her leave agriculture to work in food service again, she replied, “I love to cook and to be around people. It’s my passion. I was doing both at one time and I had to choose, so I chose cooking. Here I still am, enjoying the people and the environment.”
She keeps the crowds happy, serving them generously with a contagious smile on her face. Felix states that her customers come from all backgrounds and she enjoys them all the same, stating, “Everyone is welcome. We make homemade food from scratch, come try it. Even our aguas frescas, I don’t use powders.”
Felix states that even though this year has been a little slower in sales, they are still making it and plan on sticking around. The homely restaurant has a homey vibe that welcomes you as you walk in and Maria’s personality makes you enjoy your time there.
If you’re in the Basin City area, or are looking for a local place to grab a Mexican bite, visit Comedor Mari, you won’t be disappointed.
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