Yearly Archives: 2012
Spring into Summer with Spa Mio
The weather is heating up and summer is just around the corner! With all the time you’ve spent (or will be spending) poolside, it’s important to prepare your skin for the warmer months. Our Forbes Travel Guide rated four-star spa and salon, Spa Mio is ready with the perfect products and treatments to get you polished for the pool and keep your skin hydrated at the same time!
When beginning a summer skin regime, treatments that feature body scrubs such as our Tropical Fruit Polish and Antioxidant Grape Polish & Wrap are ideal. Body scrubs exfoliate, increase circulation and help get rid of dead, dry skin. A facial is another great service to exfoliate and add moisture during the hot summer season. Spa Mio’s Hydrating Facial is the best option for the spring and summer months. Everyone’s face tends to be a bit drier this time of year and the Hydrating Facial does just the trick to rehydrate and moisturize. A little tip: Let your aesthetician know if you are planning on going to the pool after your treatment so they can add on sunscreen!
Spa Mio now carries MoroccanOil’s brand new body line. One of 
their signature products, the Intense Hydrating Treatment has a gel consistency with a pleasing honey-lavender scent. This highly concentrated serum (perfect for face or body) melts into a soothing oil as you massage it into your skin. It’s infused with antioxidant argan oil and naturally replenishing botanicals, ready to transform even the driest exterior. This moisturizer will help nourish and restore elasticity, leaving your skin softer and noticeably healthier. Because of its gel consistency, the product leaves a great shine. It’s perfect for giving you that subtle summer shimmer.
If you’re looking to get a kick start on that summer glow (without the harm of UV rays), Spa Mio is stocked with Jane Iredale’s award winning self-tanner Tantasia. A moisturizing, natural bronzer and self-tanner, Tantasia provides instant, healthy-looking color and builds a gradual, natural looking tan within three days of usage. Its fresh citrus fragrance and streak-free formula are ideal for use on the face and body. It also provides natural hydration for the skin. If you’re looking for a less permanent tan, Jane Iredale’s Moonglow bronzer can be used on the cheeks, eyes and lips, or used as an all-over bronzer to create a natural-looking radiance.
Pack-up & Carry-on: Smart Things to Bring in Your Carry-On
No matter what means of travel you take before you arrive at M, chances are you have to pack a bag (or two) to get here. First things first, a great carry-on bag will be your best friend! The travel-savvy know that a well-packed carry-on can help you avoid those every increasing checked bag fees and hold ups in baggage claim. But what should go into that bag of yours? If you’re always on the road or just the occasional traveler, these items will help get you through business trips and weekend getaways alike.
Charge Up
There’s no more distressing sight than watching a full battery on your favorite electronic device slowly drain during a long trip. Keeping a universal charger with you can help your battery (and spirit) levels remain high, even if there are no power outlets in sight.
Keep it Comfy
After trekking through the airport and standing in long security lines, your feet can get a little tired. Once you’ve settled in on the plane, kick off your shoes and slip on a fresh pair of slippers or socks. Keeping a pair of socks in an easy-to-reach pocket will make for a more comfortable (and fresher) flight experience. Your seatmates will appreciate it because no one likes a pair of bare feet in closed quarters.
Find a Distraction
Load up your favorite tablet or e-reader before hitting the road (or the skies). Saving your favorite books, music and movies onto an electronic device will spare some valuable packing space in your carry-on and they’ll help those long trips to pass quickly by keeping your mind occupied.
Cancel Out
Do you always dread getting seated next to a noisy baby on an airplane? It won’t matter how boisterous your neighbor is if you bring a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. These travel companions are a must for enjoying your favorite tunes as well as ignoring all other distractions around you. They also can double as earplugs, if you’re planning to sleep.
Fresh and Clean
Bags can (and do) go missing through travel and we can’t think of a more refreshing feeling than having all of our toiletries with us, in case of disaster. With airline restrictions, be sure to always pack the travel-sizes of your favorite items. Plus, if you throw in an unwrapped bar of soap it will keep your bag smelling nice and fresh. There’s nothing worse than everything you packed reeking like a plane and it will put those fancy hotel soaps (like the ones that come in our rooms) to good use.
Beer with a Buzz
What’s a brewtail, you might ask? It’s a drink with a kick and M’s unique spin on the popular beer-cocktail trend. These new boozey hybrids are larger than a traditional mixed drink and are served up in bigger glasses. They’re particularly popular in the warmer months of spring and summer. The effervescence that beer brings to the glass is a thirst-quenching alternative to your traditional libation, perfect to cool you down from the desert heat.
Served exclusively at Anthony’s Burgers & Brews, brewtails take on a new prominent role on the drink menu. Aside from their already extensive list of traditional beers, three varieties of brewtails are available for beer connoisseurs (or the curious) to enjoy.
Lager Shandy
Lager, Sprite, orange vodka, sweet lemon and lime
The Lager Shandy is a blend of beer and sparking lemonade. It’s inspired from the popular traditional shandies (beer mixed with citrus-flavored soda) from Great Britain, Ireland and other European countries. It brings out the beer flavor to create a light and refreshing drink without the 
added heaviness.
Chocolate Stout Margarita
Chocolate stout, sweet lemon and lime, Sauza Silver Tequila, Cointreau
We never thought a drink with chocolate and margarita would blend as well as this one. Our Chocolate Stout Margarita is a twist on the beer margarita, using a stout to make the beer more perceptible. The sweet and sour taste of the margarita pairs perfectly with the refreshing flavor of chocolate.
Red Ale Mary
Red ale, clamato and spicy tomato juice, squeeze of lime
This Bloody Mary on steroids uses red ale to give you that “redeye” pick-me-up. This spicy and flavorful cocktail is perfect after a long night of drinking.
When developing these brewtails, our food and beverage team knew that creating the perfect flavor was key. They wanted to make cocktails that were as unique as the M brand and ones that our guests would be eager to order again and again. The next time you’re at Anthony’s Burgers & Brews, be sure to try one of these amazing creations!
Spice up Your Cinco
It’s that time of year again; time to get your fiesta on! Last year we brought you a dayside pool party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo festivities, but this year we’re bringing you a sizzling day-to-night fiesta to get your party on. You’ll want to grab your sombrero and get down to M this Saturday!
We’re starting early by the pool, join us at 10am for the grand opening celebration for Villaggio del Sole, our Main Pool. DayDream Pool Club will also be open at 11am for fiesta-goers with DJ KoKo kicking off his weekly residency. While you’re at either of our pools, be sure to sample one of our new SnoBar products including alcohol infused popsicles and ice creams. We also have a whole line of new frozen cocktail concoctions to cool you off.
If the sun wears you out, take a quick siesta and come party the night away in the M Pavilion. We’ll be drinking, dancing, partying and gaming until the wee hours with a little help from 98.5 KLUC and X107.5. Doors open at 6 pm and authentic Mexican entertainment from the Mexico Vivo Dance Company and musical performers Toto Zara will by kicking off the festivities. Our favorite local lounge duo Zowie Bowie will be continuing the fiesta when they take the stage at 10pm!
Get into the spirit with our cinco drink specials, including our featured drink The M Margarita; made with Durango Gold Tequila, Gionelli Triple Sec, Lefty O’Doul’s Key Lime and Sweet and Sour you won’t want to pass up this concoction. Be sure to come hungry! We’ll be hosting a gathering of South of the Border food trucks featuring Lola D’s Kitchen, Redneck Kitchen and Pop’s Cheesesteaks.
Remember to wear your sexiest Cinco outfit or sombrero; we’ll be randomly giving out mystery prizes all night long to those who display the most Cinco de Mayo spirit! Tickets are on sale now and are still available for $10 through Friday. Prices go up to $15 on May 5 and are available at the door.
M’s Five Must-Eat Meals
In a city once known for discount shrimp cocktails and cheap prime rib specials, Las Vegas has transformed over the last decade into a first-class world culinary destination. Now recognized for its diverse dining options, Las Vegas Weekly recently published the “50 Must-Eat Las Vegas Meals” and included a dish from our very own, Hash House A Go Go. We were so inspired by this list of great food that we crafted our own dining to-do directory exclusively for M! Get ready; you’ve got a lot of eating to do to conquer this list!
- Chilean Sea Bass
Marinelli’s
This delicate and buttery fish cannot be missed by any seafood fans. It’s prepared to the perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency, with a subtle lemon glaze that delectably balances the flavor. Marinelli’s customizes guests’ fish entrees by offering selections served either grilled or pan seared. Did we mention our fish arrives here in 18 hours or less fresh from the ocean? It’s seafood (in the desert) at its best! - Imperial Burger
Anthony’s Gourmet Burgers & Brews
There’s a lot of gourmet burgers out there, but the Imperial Burger takes the cake – err, bun. Topped with stout braised short ribs, mushrooms, gruyere cheese, and caramelized onions, your mouth will get the royal treatment after just one bite of this beer-infused creation. Wash it down with a selection from our extensive beer list or try one of our unique brewtails (beer cocktails). - Seafood Brunch or Dinner
Studio B Buffet
There’s a reason our buffet has been voted “Best in Las Vegas” for two years now! It might have something to do with over 200 food items to choose from including our famous crab legs, oysters and shrimp. Or, maybe it’s the unlimited wine and beer that comes included with every meal. We think it’s probably a little of both. Enjoy our award-winning seafood buffet Friday evening and all day on Saturday and Sunday. - Bone-In Filet Mignon
Anthony’s Steakhouse
One of Anthony’s signature prime beef selections, this 18 oz. dry-aged hunk of beef is one to be slowly savored. The aging process for the bone-in filet provides an extra flavor that can’t compare to its boneless counterpart. This delectable creation is served with your choice of béarnaise, peppercorn or bordelaise sauce. - Andy’s Sage Fried Chicken Benedict
Hash House A Go Go
Not only was this dish included as one of Las Vegas Weekly’s “50 Must-Eat Las Vegas Meals” but it was also featured on Man vs. Food. This colossal creation is certainly not for those who favor lighter fare. Chipotle cream with peppers, scrambled eggs, griddled mozzarella, fried chicken, bacon, tomatoes, spinach and a biscuit are all piled high atop a heap of griddled potatoes.
Which of our five picks have you tried before? Let us know your own personal “must-eat” meals at M!
Skating Sommelier
Think speed skating and fine wine have nothing in common? They do in the life of sommelier Erin Gleason. Prior to her career in the wine industry, Erin was an athlete on the 1998 U.S. Olympic Short Track Speedskating Team, a two-time bronze medalist in the 1996 World Short Track Speedskating Championships, a three-time American record holder, and was even inducted into New Jersey’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Photo Credit: Jerry Search
Now that she’s off the ice, you can find Erin in our wine cellar Hostile Grape. There’s always something new to try with our selection of over 160 wines available to be sampled by the glass. Gleason helps each guest navigate our vast wine selection with knowledge, passion and enthusiasm. She enhances the overall experience by suggesting and providing individually tailored wine pairings to accompany any meal or palate.
A wine vineyard Gleason visited in Aquileia, Italy.
In addition to managing the Hostile Grape, Gleason oversees the entire resort’s wine storage, procurement, and wine cellar rotation. Her current personal favorite is Le Plus de la Fleur de Boüard 2005, a 100% Merlot wine from Bordeaux’s right bank, atop the coveted plateau of Pomerol and close to Saint-Emilion. Le Plus reveals itself in an Indian ink hue infused with purple tinges and rich nose of blackberry liqueur, port, baking spice, and milk chocolate fudge. The palate delivers an immense layer of seductive concentration across flavors of blackberry jam, vanilla, and hints of vintage port across an assertive finish. Le Plus delivers an exceptional wine that you are certain to enjoy!
Gleason at the Taj Mahal.
With over a decade of professional experience, Erin developed her business experience and wine stewardship internationally. She has traveled all around the world racking up more than one million miles in air travel and upwards of 600 nights in luxury four and five star hotels – Through these experiences, she understands first-hand the importance of delivering exceptional service and experiences to our guests. Gleason is also fluent in Italian, having studied Italian Constitutional Law and International Marketing at the Università degli Studi di Genova in Genoa, Italy.
Gleason is a professional member of the Guild of Sommeliers, the International Sommelier Guild. She has also captured many of her experiences in her wine blog Swinging by the Vines. Stop in and visit Erin at Hostile Grape during your next time at M! She’ll recommend the perfect wine for your evening!
Pool Drinks Just Got Better
When the temperatures climb, the best way to cool off is at one of our pools! This year we’re bringing you new sweet ways to beat the heat. In addition to traditional piña coladas (we have lots of those too) we’re debuting a menu full of refreshing adult favorites that are bound to become your go-to cocktail to sip (or slurp) by the pool this season.
Think popsicles couldn’t get any better, how about ones with a little kick? We’re serving up SnoBar’s signature line of alcohol infused popsicles and ice creams. Each serving of the flavorsome frozen treats are equivalent to one mixed drink.
SnoBar’s Cosmopolitan Ice-Pop is delivering premium vodka and triple sec in the form of a contemporary dessert. This sexy, frozen cocktail on a stick is ideal for the sophisticated vanguard and a perfect addition to a day at the pool. If a margarita’s more your style, SnoBar’s Margarita Pop infuses tequila and triple sec into a dessert with swagger. This modern twist on the beloved drink is a “must try” frozen cocktail on a stick.
For something a little sweeter, SnoBar’s four different flavors of infused ice cream are just what the doctor ordered. Served by the scoop, you can choose from Pink Squirrel (brandy, almond liqueur and reme de cacao), Grasshopper (brandy, creme de menthe and creme de cacao), Brandy Alexander (brandy and creme de cacao) and Brandy Alexander Chocolate Chip (brandy, creme de cacao and chocolate chips).
Delicious frozen cocktails are a poolside staple and our list of libations certainly won’t disappoint. For a new twist on a traditional favorite, try our Ultimate Root Beer Float. This delectable creation features SnoBar’s Brandy Alexander ice cream with root beer, served by the half yard in a souvenir glass. We also offer many popular cocktails in frozen form like: Frozen Jack and Coke and Frozen Cherry Coke with cherry vodka.
With all these choices, you’ve got a lot of drinking to do, cheers!
Digital Detox: Unplug and Unwind at M
Do you panic if you leave your phone(s) at home when running a quick errand? Are you always checking emails and text messages no matter where you are or who you're with? Chances are a digital detox is in order. Weaning ourselves off our favorite mobile devices is much harder than it sounds - even if only for a short period of time.
These devices are called "smart phones" for a reason and make many of our daily tasks a breeze with electronic assistance. But, with the need to respond to messages and check websites 24/7, stress levels and productivity are naturally affected. It's important to allow yourself to switch off and enjoy the company of who you're with in the present moment and we're here to help!
Here are a few tips to prepare yourself for a detox, before you leave for vacation:
- Push work deadlines back and arrange an extension if you're worried.
- Addicted to social media? Schedule tweets and other updates while you're gone using HootSuite or other programs that allow you to do so.
- Set your TiVo to record shows so you won't worry about missing any of your favorites.
- Depending on the length of your trip, ask someone back home to write you a letter (yes, the old fashion kind with pen and paper). You can open it halfway through your detox to keep you going.
- Write a plan for your first day back to ease yourself into the world of communication once again. Make sure no meetings are scheduled which will allow time for jet leg and catching up.
- Most importantly, let people know you won't be able to be reached instead of saying, "I'll be replying to urgent messages only."
During your next getaway at M (or anywhere) de-tech yourself by shutting off your mobile phones, tablets and other gadgets once you arrive. If you're really feeling daring, leave them all at home! This will allow you to fully enjoy your technology-free break.
If a shorter digital detox is order, book yourself a spa day at Spa Mio. The use of mobile phones isn't permitted in the confines of our relaxing four-star rated spa. Switching off your device, even if only for a matter of hours, will help you leave more relaxed and refreshed (trust us!).
Rock Out at Wineucopia
To usher in spring, Rock ‘n Roll Wine will be presenting its inaugural Wineucopia event this Saturday at M Pavilion. "Wineucopia is a wine and music celebration," said Chris Hammond, President and Founder of Rock 'n Roll Wine. "The event will be highlighting over 35 wineries, 70+ wines and performances by Better than Ezra, Antonio Beliveau of Crash Kings and local bands Play For Keeps and Offset Season.
The variety of wines and amazing performances will make for an unforgettable evening, but there are a few notable wineries you'll want to give your undivided attention. Hammond personally recommends stopping by the Norman Vineyard booth. "Jim Norman's Paso Robles group of wines will rock your face off and he is a certifiable entertaining genius."
If you're looking for a delicious, wacky paring, Hammond also suggests visiting Courtney Rich's booth from QuitWineing.com. Rich was involved in selecting perfect wine pairings and delectable food creations for the event. Her picks include: Sage Fried Chicken tenders with chipotle dipping sauce, Mini-Meatloaf Sandwiches with roasted tomato and griddled mozzarella, and Mashed Potato/Bacon Burger Mini’s and Mini Crab Cakes with chili mayo drizzle from Hash House A Go Go.
For more amazing creations, Whole Foods will be on site featuring artisan cheese from Beehive Cheeses out of Utah. Trust us; you'll never think of cheese the same way after trying some of these! To complete the selections with something sweet, Ethel M's will be on hand with a delicious assortment of chocolates, each paired with a particular wine and/or champagne.
Tickets for Wineucopia are priced at $45 (including taxes and fees) and are available at www.rocknrollwine.com or by calling Rock ‘n Roll Wine at 702.240.3066. Doors open at 7 p.m. Event will last until 11pm with the official after-party being held at Hostile Grape until 1am.
Bartending 101 - Mixing Techniques
Get ready to shake stir and roll! Cocktail mixing is all about creativity and enjoyment for you and your guests. Learning mixing methods is often the first lesson at any bartending school and can easily be incorporated into your own skill set while entertaining at home. Here are the basic cocktail mixing processes our bartenders use and instructions on how to apply these techniques to make the perfect libation.
Build
Building a cocktail is done by pouring the ingredients on top of one another in a serving glass. This is usually performed in the order the ingredients are listed in the recipe. This technique is often used for non-alcoholic drinks, but can also be applied for cocktails with carbonated ingredients such as a rum and coke. The carbonation from the soda naturally mixes the drink.
Blend
Probably one of the most well-known mixing techniques, blending is done with an electric blender. Drinks can be made in a blender cup with all ingredients, including ice. This technique is used to liquefy solid or fruit ingredients to a creamy consistency. This type of drink should not be watery or super thick; it should be smooth and thick and enough to hold a straw upright.
Roll
To roll a cocktail, a cocktail shaker and a pint glass are needed. The rolling process begins by filling a glass with ice and the cocktail's ingredients. The mixture is poured into the shaker and then poured back into the glass. This technique combines drinks while melting as little ice and air as other methods.
Shake
It's best to shake a cocktail when fruit juices, eggs or cream are involved. This technique will result in an eye-opening libation with a layer of froth on top. First, fill a shaker with the drink's ingredients. Next, seal, shake vigorously and strain into glassware or pour over fresh ice. When shaking a cocktail that requires soda, add soda at the end.
Stir
You've probably stirred a drink before, even if it was just your coffee. To stir a cocktail, fill a glass with ice and your drink's ingredients. Stir with a bar spoon and strain into glassware.
Layer
Layering a drink is an art form. Distinctive looking layered cocktails are achieved by slowly and carefully pouring one liquor over another. The effect of each liquor sitting atop each other is produced when liquor of varying densities are poured into the drink.
Muddle
Soft fruits, mint leaves, sugar cubes and other similar ingredients must be broken up or muddled to release their flavors into the cocktail. Ingredients should be placed in a cocktail shaker and carefully crushed with a cocktail muddler. It's important not to press too hard; mint should be broken up and bruised, but not mashed into a soggy paste.
