Yearly Archives: 2012
Amenities That Make You Say Ahh…
If you’ve ever visited a spa, you know there’s more to these relaxing sanctuaries than just the treatment or service you’ve booked. This is especially true when it comes to our four-star awarded Spa Mio. At 23,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art spa offers must-try amenities around every corner.
Complimentary 
Refreshments.
Yes, you read right. While you’ll find the staples like bottled water and fresh fruit, Spa Mio offers something extra; its own signature spritzer, the Cranberry Spritzer. Mixing cranberry and pineapple juice served over ice, this spritzer is the perfect cooling complement to a relaxing spa day.
Eucalyptus Steam Room. This isn’t just a regular steam room. Step inside this tiled room and you’ll smell the difference. Spa Mio sprays Eucalyptus essential oil into the room helping you to relax and aiding to relieve those stuffy nasal passages and rehydrate your skin.
Fitness Center. Start the day off on the right foot by using Spa Mio’s fitness center prior to your treatment. Stocked with all the essential fitness equipment from free weights to treadmills there’s nothing like working up a little invigorating sweat before relaxing.
Jacuzzi. There’s more to these relaxing pools than meets the eye. With high-pressured jets circulating the water and targeting certain pressure points in your body Jacuzzis are the perfect place to reduce stiff joints and aching muscles.
Retail Boutique. After a day of pampering who wouldn’t want that feeling to last a little longer? Spa Mio keeps all their spa products right up front by checkout so you can take a little piece of that heavenly feeling home with you.
The Odds and Ends. From the absolutely fresh, cushy robes to the special spa sandals, slipping these little complements on automatically makes a person relax. Trust us. The little perks don’t stop there. For convenience, Spa Mio offers Moroccan Oil soap, shampoo and conditioner as well as a selection of styling tools like hairdryers, combs and lotions.
So the next time you’re off to your favorite spa (which we hope is ours) schedule a few extra minutes to take advantage of the amenities offered. We know they’ll have you saying “ahhh.”
Sizzling Summer Grilling Tips
Now’s the time to dust off the grill and break out the charcoal just in time for the summer’s get togethers and gatherings. Barbecue season is officially upon us and nothing says summer like the smell of a grill on a hot afternoon. But, before you get cooking, it’s important to keep in mind a few of these helpful hints from our chefs at the M to make your grilled feast top-notch.
Preheat Properly
Taking the time to preheat a grill properly is often overlooked, but you must let the grill preheat for at least 30 minutes to get it to the right temperature. If you put food on a warm grill it will inevitably stick to the grates. If the grates are hot enough, your food will sear and cook correctly.
Get Creative
You don’t have to eat hamburgers and hot dogs all season long (not that there’s anything wrong with these grilled classics). You can cook just about anything on a grill that you do in a kitchen.
Flatten Out
If you’re cooking with skewers, opt for the flat metal one rather than the cylindrical bamboo ones. The flat shape will help your food stay in place, so when it comes to flipping the food it will flip and not roll on the skewers.
Use Herbs
Grilling on top of herbs helps infuse your food with rich flavor. Simply lay a bunch of herbs onto your grill grates. Then grill your meat on top of the herbs and flip as usual. It’s a good idea to toss the herbs in some form of marinade or oil to get them lubricated so they don’t burn on the grill.
Get Peeling
Take leftover fruit peels from oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits and char them in the oven then throw them on the grill. They will add a tasty citrus flavor to anything you’re grilling and it’s also a great way to utilize something that would have been going straight to the trash.
Have any personal favorite tips for the grill? Share yours with us below. And, you can always leave the grilling to us! Ordering up a grilled burger from Anthony’s Burgers & Brews or Vig Deli can satisfy your craving for hot dogs or brats.
Four Things to Do on the Fourth
Sizzling summer temperatures, long days and melting popsicles (or cocktails) can only mean one thing — the Fourth of July is upon us. Independence Day is a time to embrace our patriotic side by doing what Americans do best: having fun! Here are a few ways to celebrate the holiday with us at M.
1. A day at the pool. Our Main Pool is open seven days a week but this Wednesday, DayDream Pool Club will be open for a special Fourth of July celebration. Grab a swimsuit and some sunscreen (it’s going to be a hot one) and spend the day poolside in our backyard paradise. We’ve got cocktails to cool you off and the hottest DJs to keep the party going.
2. An all-American meal. What’s more American than a buffet? From macaroni and cheese to prime rib and everything in between, you can feast on all your continental favorites at Studio B. Be sure to save room for dessert, you won’t want to miss Studio B’s apple pie, with a scoop of vanilla gelato for a perfect sweet treat on the Fourth.
3. Test your luck at the tables. Our poker room started its Fourth of July celebrations early with its Red, White & Blue Giveaway promotion. Win your share of $25,000 by earning red, white and blue tickets while playing at our tables. Drawings take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday but tickets can be earned daily!
4. Put on your own personal fireworks show. You can purchase fireworks from over 390 different stands across Southern Nevada until 11:59 pm on July 4. Remember to light your fireworks on a flat surface away from trees and brush. It’s also a good idea to have a bucket of water and a hose on hand to soak used fireworks before disposal.
However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and fun Fourth of July!
Eye Candy
“Don’t play with your food!” a phrase all too familiar coming from moms across the world. Our confectionary team doesn’t just play with their food; they transform it into museum quality works of art with sugar sculpting. These beautiful centerpieces catch your eye and your sweet tooth. Made completely out of sugar, our sculptures give a whole new meaning to the term “eye candy.”
Resembling intricate glass art pieces, sculpting is an art form that our confectionary team has mastered. The sculptures are made out of isomalt, a sugar that’s reconstructed to resist crystallization and absorption of humidity. Even with reconstituted sugar (isomalt) the shelf-life of these masterpieces can range from two days in more humid climates to a month in drier conditions.
Similar to glass blowing, sugar can also be blown, pulled and cast into the formation desired. Some sugar art is practically indistinguishable from their inedible counterpart. Like glass, sugar sculptures are very fragile and require the utmost care when being transported, even if they’re only being moved a few feet.
To make a sugar sculpture, sugar is cooked to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the sweet substance reaches about 290 degrees, color is added and boiled into the mix. Color is always added sparingly since the shade can always be darkened by adding additional dye but cannot be lightened without starting the process over again. After the ideal temperature is reached, the mixture is poured and set out to cool until it can be worked by hand.
What’s New with 32
Calling all beer aficionados, 32° Draft Bar is ready for you, with 97 different beers and ciders. Think you can drink them all? Our beer bar boasts 90 different drafts on 96 taps, but for those of you who prefer the bottle, they have a variety of bottled beers to savor as well. There is a spectacular variety of beers; from common to craft and international beers that will appeal to the beer geek and novice alike.
The new menu is arranged by country of origin along with a brief description of beer. There are 88 drafts listed on the menu. Two featured drafts are constantly rotated in, so it‘s best to ask your bartender about our newest selections! And, it’s also a great excuse to come back and see what’s new on tap.
Some of 32’s most popular drafts are Moa Imperial Stout out of New Zealand, Blackhawk Stout from Mendocino Brewing Company and Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point Brewery. 32° Draft Bar even has beer cocktails, featuring the Black Forest Cake. This unreal beer cocktail is a mix of Guinness Stout, cake flavored vodka and juices, and yes, it taste is just like its name!
The bar itself overlooks our casino floor and the race and sports book. There are both bar seating with tabletop gaming as well as high top tables. The back bar is lined with our 96 taps and TV’s are everywhere, to catch all the sports action. The staff willingly accommodates guests’ viewing pleasures by tuning into the vast array of sports available.
Our bartenders know their stuff when it comes to beer. They may not be beermeisters, but they have an uncanny way of finding the beer that best suits your taste buds. They’re always willing to help you with your selection. Not only will our 32° bartenders and servers eagerly tell you about the beers available, they’ll also give you the scoop about our food specials. That’s right we’re bringing you one of the best selections of beer in town and food to go along with it.
32° Draft Bar has a local bar feel and is a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. Good food, affordable prices, great variety of beer that you might not find at other places and a staff that makes you feel like this is where you belong! During Baseball Season, treat yourself to one of the specials below while you’re having a nice cold one!
Ballpark Specials
$2 Brats
$2 Franks (1/4 lb)
2 for $2 Jumbo Pretzels (with Mustard Dipping Sauce)
$2 Select 16 oz. Drafts (See 32° Draft Bar for Details)
2 for 1 Wings (Purchase 5 wings for $5 and get 5 wings for Free)
Home Run Special
2 Brats
2 ¼ lb Franks
10 Wings
2 Select 16 oz. Drafts for $15
The Art of the Mojito
Nothing says refreshment like a mojitio. The classic cocktail is perfect to enjoy on a hot summers day, or really any day for that matter. The drink got its start in the Caribbean, specifically in the region of Cuba and has infiltrated bar menus across the globe ever since. This thirst-quencher is just the right beverage to help combat the Vegas heat.
With only five simple ingredients (rum, sugar, lime juice, club soda and mint) our bartenders can muddle up one (or a whole pitcher) in no time. We’re able to provide our guests with the tastiest mojito possible with one simple secret, we never use a mix. Using fresh ingredients can make or break your mojitio (or any drink for that matter).
We’ve selected from our extensive drink collection a few summery mojitos we’re certain you’ll enjoy. Mix one up the next time you’re relaxing on the porch or by the pool or order one from us during your next visit to M!
Mango Blackberry Mojito
Muddle 3 blackberries and 5 mint leaves
¼ oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Cruzan Mango Rum
Shake, add club soda and roll
Pour in a tall Collins glass
Top with 2 blackberries
Banana Strawberry Mojito
Muddle one sliced strawberry and five mint leaves
½ oz. Simple Syrup
1 oz. Cruzan Banana Rum
Shake, add club soda and roll
Pour in a tall Collins glass
Garnish with a half sliced strawberry on rim of the glass
Vanilla Blueberry Mojito
Muddle five blueberries and five mint leaves
½ oz. Simple Syrup
Juice of ½ a lime
1 oz. Cruzan Vanilla Rum
Shake, add club soda and roll
Pour in a tall Collins glass
Top with three blueberries
Our Poker Room Goes Red, White & Blue
There are few card games more all-American than poker. The game itself originated in New Orleans in 1829 with a deck of only 20 cards and has evolved over the years into the 52-card pastime we know today. Poker gained popularity in casinos after the World Series of Poker began in 1970. To celebrate the patriotic card game, and to kick off Fourth of July festivities, our Poker Room is giving players a chance to win a share of $25,000!
We’re sweetening the pot from now until July 15 with drawings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Earn your way into drawings with poker play. Each game played earns you a drawing ticket ranging in value from $100-$500 and drawings take place every two hours until 5pm and every hour until 11pm.
White Tickets – $100
White Tickets can be earned by playing in white chip games, including 2-4 and 4-8 Texas Hold’em and Omaha. They are also given to all players that buy into any daily tournament and those that push into each live game (without a missed blind button). If your white ticket is drawn while playing a live game, you’ll earn an additional $75 and a $25 “splash pot”. White tickets are discarded if the winner is not present.
Red Tickets – $300
Red tickets are earned by participating in red chip games, 1-2 No-Limit and 6-12 Texas Hold’em. Eight daily tournament entries in one week will also earn you a red ticket as well as winning a Progressive High Hand Jackpot. If your red ticket is drawn while playing a live game, you’ll earn an additional $250 and a $50 “splash pot”. Red tickets are returned to the drawing drum if the winner is not present.
Blue Tickets – $500
The highest value, blue tickets are earned with every five hours of live play and by entering into fifteen daily tournaments in one week. If your blue ticket is drawn while playing a live game, you’ll earn an additional $400 and a $100 “splash pot”. Blue tickets are returned to the drawing drum if the winner is not present.
Every Sunday is your final chance to win the week’s leftover cash. A ticket will be drawn for all unclaimed money for the duration of the week with 70% going to the ticket holder and 30% to a “splash pot”. After the drawing, all tickets other than blue will be removed from the drum for the next week’s drawings. Visit the Poker Room for additional information and complete rules. Good luck at the tables!
Summer Jam Concert Preview
Summer Jam, KLUC’s all day summer music festival is coming to M’s pool deck this Sunday. Get ready for an amazing pool party featuring some of today’s hottest music acts! The Wanted will be taking the stage on our pool piazza along with Karmin, Chris Rene, HardNox, Lex Rox and DJ Hollywood. Summer Jam is known for having some of the biggest up and coming names in the music industry. Past performers include Jesse McCartney and Soulja Boy.
Headlining the show this year is British pop group, The Wanted. The boy band is best known for their smash hit, “Glad You Came,” and has been working their way up the charts in the U.S. ever since its release. The five member band; Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes have been under the guidance of Scooter Braun, Justin Beiber’s mastermind manager. The group has appeared on NBC’s The Voice and their song “Glad You Came” was featured on FOX’s hit show Glee.
Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan make up the musical duo known as Karmin. The group gained fame by releasing amazing covers of songs by Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown on YouTube. Their rising internet popularity inspired them to release the singles, “Crash Your Party” and “Broken Hearted”. The duo’s “Look at Me Now” YouTube video, a cover of the popular song by Chris Brown, has received more than 36 million views. Their song “Take It Away” was used in promos for the 2011 NBA Finals.
Singer-songwriter Chris Rene, former contestant on The X Factor, will be belting out his original compositions such as “Young Homie”. Hometown favorites Dan and Jim Kehoe, better known as HardNox will be performing alongside Vegas native, Lex Rox. Voted Las Vegas DJ of the Year over nine times, DJ Hollywood, along with The Beatclan DJs will be performing throughout the day. Come ready to swim, doors open at noon!
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the M Resort Box Office, M Pool Hut or on Ticketmaster.com. For cabana and daybed rentals please email cabanarequest@theMresort.com or call 702.797.1808.
Sweet Sips
There are some of those days here in Vegas (like the hot summer ones) when you just want something cold and sweet to drink. We have many different treats to help cool you down but some of the sweetest offerings can be found exclusively at Baby Cakes Patisserie. Baby Cakes is stirring up treats like milkshakes and Italian sodas for our guests to sip and savor during the summer (and year round).
Our shakes are anything but vanilla, the gelato and sorbet used in each creamy treat is homemade right here at M. Baby Cakes can whip up a shake with your favorite flavor or a mix, using our eighteen different gelatos and sorbets and other ingredients. The milkshakes themselves are crafted by blending whole milk with our delectable frozen sorbets and gelatos. They can blend together anything you desire, one of their signature shakes the Java Rush features Baby Cakes’ signature coffee, chocolate chip gelato, espresso and espresso beans all topped with whipped cream, caramel and chocolate sauce.
If you’re a fan of something a bit more tart, an Italian soda will do the trick. You can create your own treat using a combination of fifteen different flavored syrups including Raspberry, Candied Orange, Lime and Banana. Or, choose from one of Baby Cakes’ featured sodas, Cherry Limeade, Peaches ‘n Cream, Orange Creamsicle and Summer Breeze. The Italian sodas are prepared with flavored syrup, Perrier and half and half floated on top of the drink.
Smooth, sweet and cold, these treats are just the ticket to keeping you cool in our sweltering summer days.
Sushi Basics: Know Your Sashimi from Your Nigiri
Whether you’re a long-time sushi fan or a beginner when it comes to Japanese cuisine, with its high-popularity, chances are you’ve tried a piece or two. Sushi is a relatively recent arrival in the U.S. food scene, having first been served in the 1950’s. Now its wide availability ranges from plastic trays at your corner store to the hands of our professional sushi chefs at the Oyster Bar. It’s never been easier to consume this delightful specialty for a special occasion or a quick lunch. Even with soaring demand, it’s easy to be perplexed by all the sushi choices, not knowing the different types of fish and whether or not they are served raw. We’re here to help the rookie or seasoned sushi eaters with useful information and a glossary of sushi eating terms.
Common Terms
Maki – sushi rolled up using a bamboo mat. It’s normally wrapped in nori (dried seaweed), but it is sometimes served in soy paper or thinly sliced cucumber. The maki rolls are cut into six or eight pieces. This particular type of sushi is acceptable to eat with your fingers or chopsticks and can be dipped in soy sauce or topped with wasabi.
Nigiri – sliced raw fish with a molded ball of rice underneath. Most sushi chefs add a dab of wasabi in between the rice and fish, so no additional sauce is needed. Only the fish side of the nigiri should be dipped into soy sauce and it can be eaten with your hands.
Sashimi – sliced raw fish served without rice. Sashimi should be eaten with chopsticks and can be eaten with wasabi mixed into the soy sauce.
Basics
The base of most sushi is a special variety of rice called awase-zu. The short-grain rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, salt and sugar. The mixture itself is called shari and is a bit sticky so it can be formed into shapes for nigiri or rolled to make maki.
Not all sushi has to be eaten with chopsticks. It’s actually recommended to eat maki and nigiri with your fingers. But, it’s proper to always use chopsticks for sashimi. Whenever you’re eating sushi, a plate with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce is always presented. The ginger is used as a palate cleanser between bites while the wasabi can be used for additional spice on maki and sashimi (nigiri typically comes seasoned with it already). Wasabi should only be mixed into soy sauce when eating sashimi. Plain soy sauce can be used with nigiri, but only the fish part of the sushi should be dipped. These are just the traditional sushi eating techniques. Feel free to eat and season your sushi any way you please.
For the First-Timer
If you’re getting ready for your first time eating sushi, we recommend going with friends who have tried it before. Sitting at the sushi bar will allow you to talk directly to the sushi chef and get their personal recommendations. Our chefs at Oyster Bar are always happy to help the experienced or novice eaters. If you’re adventurous, you can ask for omakase, meaning “to trust the chef”. Our sushi chefs will make anything they like and send it your way!
