New restaurant offering unique Alaska experience

Just in time for summer, Mat-Su diners have a new restaurant option.

Alaskana Social Club is set to officially open its doors in early June, with regular dinner service four days a week. But the restaurant, located at Meier Lake Resort off of Wasilla-Fishhook Road, is currently in its “soft” opening, by reservation only, with craft cocktails and a limited sampler menu being served.

The inspiration of owners Michael Maddux and Marissa Senna, Alaskana Social Club is the final piece of Maddux’s vision for the property he acquired in 2018. Originally a bustling summer camp, Meier Lake opened under the new owner for its first full year as a boutique hotel and event venue in 2020, complete with the original structures reimagined to present a posh, mid-century, modern-meets-summer-camp vibe.

Its 12 rooms are part of the 120 wilderness acres fully surrounding Meier Lake. Located just a few minutes from Hatcher Pass, the resort has served as home base for travelers seeking an exclusive Alaska experience for vacations, destination weddings, and business or wellness retreats since its re-opening. The Covid pandemic brought its share of challenges and learning curves that first year. But it also brought opportunity to hone the flexibility needed to have a successful venture in the hospitality industry.

Over the past two years, Senna, who serves as the operations manager, said the focus has been on expanding the resort’s offerings. A wood-fired sauna was added, along with a small gym. With the addition of Alaskana Social Club, the vision for lakeside luxury has expanded, she said.

“It’s part lodge, part retreat, part experiential cocktail bar — and entirely unlike anywhere else,” she said. “Whether you’re sipping our signature house cocktail infused with on-site foragables, or enjoying a flight of seasonal small plates, each visit is a retreat, elevated by a refined, intimate environment right on the shores of our private lake.”

Senna said being a part of the neighborhood is at the heart of the resort’s mission of capturing a taste of the “real Alaska” through food, drink, and connection.

“While we absolutely welcome visitors and are honored to be part of Alaska’s summer travel experience, we know that long-term success is rooted in local support,” she said. “Our aim is to be a sanctuary for Alaskans, a place to slow down, celebrate, and return to again and again.”

The commitment to a truly Alaska experience extends to the cuisine, Senna said, which is inspired by the bounty available in the region. Some ingredients are foraged directly from the property and nearby Hatcher Pass. Others are sourced from local farmers and growers.

All of it is designed to present a menu reflective of the flavors found across northern latitudes. Senna said the goal is to transport guests somewhere entirely new, while still making them feel deeply at home.

“Just like our hotel, the menu is a blend of elegance and nostalgia,” she said.

Head chef Matt Stohlgren has been tapped to help execute that vision from the kitchen. A trained and well-seasoned professional, Stohlgren is originally from the Midwest and worked in West Coast restaurants until his arrival in Alaska in 2018.

“Matt brings a deep well of experience from both the hotel industry and fine dining,” she said. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have him leading our kitchen.”

Once doors are open for full service in June, dinner hours will be 4 to 10 p.m., Friday through Monday, although the restaurant will be open for extended hours starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

Senna said the response from the public so far has been encouraging.

“We’ve been fortunate to receive strong support from a core group of early adopters,” she said. “We’re truly grateful for the enthusiasm and feedback from guests, many of whom have described the experience as something they’ve been waiting for in the Valley.”

FIND OUT MORE

www.alaskanasocialclub.com

www.meierlake.com