Mile One Eating House: Pemberton's Favourite Burger
Local’s Favourite
Every year Mile One Eating House wins at least one, sometimes two or three, categories in the Best of Pemberton awards put on by the Pique News Magazine. It’s not hard to see why the locals love it so much – great food coupled with good values is definitely a winning combination.
BC Sourced
Right from the start when they opened in 2011, Mile One has been committed to sourcing as many products as possible from BC. Randy Jones, one of the proprietors along with his wife Cindy Yu, explains why. “I was born and raised in BC so that's where we look foremost...we pride ourselves on using British Columbia sourced ingredients first.”
With potatoes and carrots from farms just up the Pemberton Valley, and tons of other fresh products from the Fraser Valley, the BC focus is evident on every plate. When it comes to meat it’s no different; 95% of the meat used by Mile One comes from Two Rivers Specialty Meats, which Randy shares, “is the best medium scale butcher shop in BC by far.”
Of course regional sourcing “does have its limitations. There are certain things that need to come from other parts of the world at certain times,” Randy explains. But when casting the net further Mile One always checks to see if products fit with their values. It is really important that anything sourced from other places occupy the same realm in turns of quality and the impact that they have. “It’s always interesting to find out where things come from and what effects they have. These are the questions we ask before purchasing.”
All About Quality
“We put thought into every. single. ingredient.” Randy emphasizes, “There’s more to it than people think,” but the results are certainly worth the effort when you taste the food.
Let’s Eat!
Alright so we established that the ingredients are top notch, but what are they being combined into? This isn’t a fine dining restaurant but it sure isn’t your basic fast food option either. “Our focus is approachable everyday food for the small town that we exist in,” Randy explains. Mile One serves up comfort food that will most definitely have you coming back for more.
Burgers & Sandwiches
All Mile One Burgers start with BC beef and are served on house-made buttermilk buns but since Mile One is all about options you can substitute a chickpea and lentil patty for any protein and switch out the bun for a whole wheat tortilla or lettuce wrap. The burger collection features delectable creations with creative names such as the Hillbilly Deluxe with elk chorizo, cheese curds, BC mushrooms, craft beer braised onions, and house made BBQ sauce. There are eight burgers in total and each one is as delicious as the next.
If you aren’t feeling a burger try one of the unique sandwich options such as the Kimchi Rueben, Gomae Tuna, or Bacon Grilled Cheese. We tried to pick a favourite for this article but they are all so good we just couldn’t do it.
If you are feeling creative explore the additions menu to take your burger or sandwich to the next level. Add ingredients such as Albacore tuna, smoked Fraser Valley bacon, or a fried egg. Up your cheese game with choices such as house smoked cheddar, or Little Qualicum Blue Cheese. There’s so many delicious additions you could build a different burger every time you visit!
Side Options
Once you’ve chosen your burger or sandwich don’t forget to peruse the pairings menu. One of the greatest things about Mile One is the fact that you can get two half sides for those times when you just can’t decide between the mac & cheese or poutine. If you’re looking for something lighter choose a half salad from the salads menu or try the Kale Gomae or Grilled Broccolini. Of course you can never go wrong with some Pemberton Yukon Gold Potato Wedges.
Mac ‘N’ Cheese
This is not the mac and cheese you had when you were a kid (although kids love it too!) – super decadent and rich; this is pasta perfection. Mile One starts with 36% cream, aged white cheddar, and mozzarella and then adds some unique flavours to ‘adultify’ it. Combinations such as the H.C.C. with Red Wine Braised Grass Finished Chilcotin Beef, BC Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, Arugula and Mustard will have you licking the plate clean. There’s a reason local’s often add mac ‘n’ cheese as a side to their burgers!
Something for Everyone
Also on the menu is a selection of hearty dinner features, salads, and gourmet hotdogs with unique fixings. Brunch runs from 11am to 1pm daily with heartier breakfast offerings such as potato rostis made in house from Pemberton potatoes. And of course, there’s a fully stocked kid’s menu for the little ones that will please even the pickiest of palates.
Wash it Down
Great food deserves great drinks. “When it comes to beer, we want to support our own backyard first,” Randy explains as he showcases the craft beer selection from Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish. If it's wine you prefer choose one of the six BC wineries they have on tap.
For the soda drinkers Mile One has a selection of craft offerings available as well. “There are no Coke or Pepsi products here,'' Randy says proudly, “we believe in showcasing things that are a little bit more interesting from a flavour profile, and have a bit more of an interesting story behind them.” Featuring the Phillips products from Vancouver Island, as well as an eclectic selection of other craft sodas, diners have their choice of colas, root beers, and iced teas that pair perfectly with Mile One eats.
A Sweet Finish
It’s important to leave room for a little something sweet when dining at Mile One. There’s always a seasonal pie offering, as well as a selection of baked goods and of course the mouthwatering s'mores in a jar – it would be a shame not to indulge.
Take the Goodness Home
For those who enjoyed the food so much they wish they could bring it home with them… Mile One has thought of that too. Attached to the restaurant, Mile One Market carries a collection of BC crafted & harvested artisanal foodie products. From meats and cheeses, to foodie condiments, and many other items in between, be sure to grab something to tide you over until your inevitable return to Mile One.
Posted: Monday, November 09, 2020
