jennie silk - Burgers, Wine, and Big Heart: Inside Uli’s
“You Can Play to Be the Cheapest, or You Can Play to Be the Best” — A Chat with Jennie Silk from Uli’s
There’s something about Uli’s Restaurant that just feels like White Rock. Maybe it’s the ocean view. Maybe it’s the burger that was so good it broke the front page of The Province. Or maybe—and I’m betting on this—it’s Jennie Silk, the General Manager who accidentally turned a part-time gig into a nearly two-decade career that’s helped shape the community around her.
When Jennie walked into Uli’s 17 years ago, it was supposed to be something casual—just a way to keep busy while her daughter headed off to Grade One (a year early, by the way, because, as Jennie puts it, “she needed to go”). Fast-forward to now, and Jennie’s worn every hat possible: sous chef, chef, GM, toilet fixer, emotional support human—you name it.
From Burgers to Natural Wines
Under Jennie’s leadership—and with the creative mind of owner Tyson—Uli’s has kept its roots while constantly evolving. Once known for hearty, German-European fare, the menu now leans heavily on local produce, sustainable choices, and even natural wines that you probably won’t find at your average liquor store.
But let’s not forget the burgers. For a while, there was even a secret burger menu. (No worries, they eventually printed it. Kind of hard to keep secrets in a town like ours.)
Uli’s went so hard on their burger game, they won the local burger contest so many times that…well, they stopped holding it. “I was gonna enter a hot dog just to shake things up,” Jennie joked. That’s the kind of energy you get at Uli’s—genuine, grounded, and not afraid to have a laugh.
Hospitality in the Blood
Jennie says it herself: hospitality is just in her DNA. “Even when I’m sick, I’m feeding my family.” She might still hide out in the kitchen from time to time to recharge, but this is someone clearly made for people. She lights up when talking about regulars, staff, and the kids who got their first jobs at Uli’s and are now showing up with strollers and graduate degrees.
One of the things Jennie’s most proud of? Creating a safe and inclusive workplace. When a mother called last summer looking for a job for her transgender child—because she heard Uli’s was a safe place—Jennie said it almost brought her to tears. And honestly, if that doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about the heart of this business, I don’t know what will.
A Restaurant That Actually Cares
Jennie’s philosophy is simple, and frankly, refreshing: “We buy good product, do as little to it as possible, and serve it honestly.” Whether it’s wild sea asparagus picked locally or house-made ketchup with a third of the sugar, there’s intention behind every dish.
They don’t chase the lowest price—they chase the best experience. “Nobody that owns a restaurant is getting rich anytime soon,” she said. “So if we’re gonna do it, it better be done right.” And judging by the steady stream of locals and out-of-towners alike, they’re doing something very, very right.
Real Food. Real People. Real White Rock.
Uli’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a rite of passage, a local legacy, and for many of us—a place we keep coming back to not just for the paella or the view (although both are excellent), but because we feel like we’re part of the family.
So next time you’re on Marine Drive, pop into Uli’s. You’ll likely be greeted by someone who knows your name or remembers your order from last summer. And if Jennie’s there, tell her I sent you—but maybe don’t mention the Heinz ketchup in your pocket.
👉 Check out Uli’s Restaurant at ulisrestaurant.com
Support local, eat well, and be treated like family.
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