Located at the gateway of the Pemberton Valley at the base of majestic Mount Currie, Mile One Eating House has been part of this century-old farming village since 2010. With a recent albeit unconventional expansion, husband-and-wife proprietors Randy Jones and Cindy Yu are perfecting the local comfort food experience.
It is worth the 30-minute trip north of Whistler to visit this local foodie extravaganza set in an historical pioneer-like environment. The stars of Mile One’s show are its burgers, which can be made with natural beef, salmon, chicken, or tuna. A variety of trimmings from B.C. mushrooms, to Little Qualicum blue cheese, to purple cabbage slaw round out the fun, everything held in place with buttermilk buns baked on the premises. There are also eight different kinds of macaroni and cheese, and a variety of sandwiches including the Rescue Dog with beer-braised onions, Okanagan cheese curds, and gravy. And not to go unnoticed are the 35-plus local beers and wines on offer.
With the new acquisition of a century-old, 259-hectare cattle ranch in the Chilcotin near Hanceville, raising cattle is next on the agenda. “Most businesses expand by adding another restaurant,” says Jones. “We are expanding with a ranch business because our love and passion for the outdoors go hand-in-hand with our commitment to provide our community with local ingredients.”
Jones, born and raised in Burnaby, attended Dubrulle French Culinary School in Vancouver. He has worked in kitchens in Whistler, Tofino, South Chilcotin, and Vancouver, which instilled within him appreciation for the bounty that British Columbia has to offer. His menu reflects his “passion for local ingredients from the sea, forest, and local farms.” Yu, born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, spent 20 years working with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Vancouver and Whistler. Her soft-spoken charm while serving customers is intrinsic to the Mile One philosophy of going the extra mile, especially when there is a line out the front door.
Adjacent to the restaurant, Mile One Market carries regional foodie products such as Birch syrup, Pemby potatoes, and Cache Creek beef for those who wish to take Mile One home—to keep cravings at bay until the inevitable next visit.
