Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

 

High Limit doesn’t mean High Roller

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

HLsalonsignblogIt seems there’s a stigma that HLsalonentrybloggoes along with high limit rooms in Vegas. “I must not be able to play in there.” “You have to HLsalonfloorbloghave a ton of money to play in there.” “Only the VIP’s can get in that room.” None of these are true of the high limit salon here at M Resort. Anyone can play in the high limit salon and while it’s true the limits are higher than you’d find out on the main floor, you don’t need to come walking in wHLsalonbackdropblogith a suitcase full of money (though, we’re not going to stop you either!) You can bet in the high limit salon with as little as $5. Remember, if you’re betting more, you have the opportunity to win more. And let’s be honest, every guest is a VIP at M Resort. 

The high limit salon here at M is tucked into a quiet corner on the main floor next to Marinelli’s. You’ll see some stunning chandeliers marking the entry as well as a lovely disc of polished hardwood inlaid with our distinctive M Resort logo. The salon is elegant, but not pretentious. It’s cozy and inviting featuring warm colors and textures and an all-around comfortable atmosphere. One wall is shared with the spectacularly crimson-illHLsalonbartopsbloguminated glass wine cellar in Marinelli’s. You’ll find another set of sparkling chandeliers above you, an inviting fireplace next to you and a smiling and helpful staff all around you. 

What can you play in the high limit salon? It features four bar-top electronic poker machines with $5 and $10 limits. (Yes, there’s a lovely full-bar waiting for you!) There are also a variety of table games to choose from – a midi-baccarat table with limits of $100 – $10,000 per hand, four blackjack tables with limits of $100 – $5,000 per hand (the dealer stands on soft 17 and guests can choose the “surrender” option on shoe games), and you’ll also find a single-zero roulette table with limits of $100 – $300 on inside bets and $100 – $3,000 on outside bets, not to mention a spectacular view overlooking the pool. Where else can you “bet the inside” and enjoy a view of the real outside at the same time? Need to take a break? There’s an outdoor terrace where you can relax. HLsalonviewblog

The high limit salon is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 2 a.m. and opens at noon on Friday staying open continuously until the following Monday at 4 a.m. So next time you visit us here at M Resort, stop by the high limit salon – place a bet and enjoy the elegant comfort, high roller or average Joe.HLsalonroomblog

*Please note that limits and available games are subject to change.

 
 

Are you hungry?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

As you’ve probably gathered from many of our posts, food is one of the cornerstones of the M Resort. Food brings people together and helps nourish the hungry. It’s hard to imagine that nearly 250,000 men, women, children and seniors in Southern Nevada struggle with hunger. One of the organizations the M is proud to support is Three Square Food Bank. If you haven’t heard or don’t know about Three Square they are Southern Nevada’s only food bank and provide bakery, produce, dairy, non-perishable products and ready-to-eat meals to non-profit and faith-based organizations. They also facilitate childhood and senior nutrition programs. We have supported Three Square in many ways and are proud to say that with the help of the Sun City Anthem Women’s Club (who we also do a great deal with) we’ve helped provide nearly 19,000 meals! It’s important for the M Resort and our team members to give back and to be out in the community where we live and work.TinaCloseUpsm

TinaCrowdsm

A few months ago, Three Square asked if Chef Tina Martini could be a featured chef at their Stone Soup Dinner. If you know Chef Tina she was elated to help and this past Tuesday was her opportunity to help out. The dinner recognizes donors, agency partners and everyday people who help in the fight against hunger. Each month, Three Square invites a chef to do a fun demonstration and share soups of their choosing and the legend of stone soup. You know…the story of the traveler who comes up on a village where the people have little to eat. He tells them of his secret to make soup from stones and encourages each member of the village to bring what they have, no matter how small. Pretty soon they are all eating and dancing. In the end, the traveler showed them that through sharing there is plenty for all. The evening hit particularly close to home for Chef Tina who shared with everyone her personal story:

TinaExecutiveChefThreeSquaresm I was motivated by hunger awareness very early on, as my mother’s family was very impoverished. She had little to eat and spent most of her time as a child malnourished. Because of this, she lost all her teeth by the time she was 18. She suffered with poor health her entire life.  I started going to shelters in and around my home town of San Diego and cooking for the holiday dinners. I also began baking dinner rolls and making mini sandwiches for the after school lunch programs. Kids really rely on the meals they get in school. The after school lunch programs prevent these kids from going hungry on the weekends and during summer break. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help fight hunger in my new home town.  As a chef it is my responsibility, as I see it, to feed hungry people. Working with Three Square Food Bank has shown me that when people come together for no other reason than compassion and sharing, we can heal each other in ways we’ve never thought.  Remember the legend of the stone soup…sharing assures we’ll all have enough. 

We hope you’ll join M Resort in supporting Three Square Food Bank and help fight hunger in our community.

*Photos courtesy of Dave Smith & Three Square Food Bank.

 
 

Get fit with a poolside view

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

 FCentranceblog FCmachines1blogReally – who wants to work out and stare at a blank wall or a bunch of other people working out? Not us and not you. That’s why here at M Resort we made sure you could work out with a view. 

 FCmachines2blog FCweightsblog 

 

Tucked behind Spa Mio you’ll find our fitness center. It offers all the things you’d expect – rowing machines, stair master, treadmills and ellipticals, and a whole array of weight machines and free weights (aren’t they nifty with the M logo?!). You’ll find all the equipment is new, well-maintained and clean. Water and fresh fruit? On the house. Need a towel? We keep ours on ice for you. Headphones? Yep.

But what is it that really makes the fitness center at M Resort stand out? The view. We certainly offer an array of televisions if it’s the latest news, sports or celebrity gossip you want to catch up on, but if you’re looking for something to really get you motivated, try gazing out at the spectacular Villaggio Del Sole pool and entertainment piazza. It’s hard not to want to do 10 more reps or 15 more minutes when those azure waters are staring back your way, filled with frolicking summer guests. 

 FCviewblogLet’s face it, it’s easy to indulge here at M – with things like the best buffet in Vegas and 96 beers on tap offered, who could blame you? But don’t worry. The view in the fitness center is waiting for a workout.

The fitness center is open every day from 6am to 7pm. Access is available with a Spa Mio day pass which is $15 for hotel guests and $25 for non-guests.

 
 

Your favorite games

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

WheelofFortuneblogWhat are your favorite games? When it comes to slots, there are so many to choose from these days. There are the old favorites like Hex Breaker and Mayan Riches. There are also those machines and advances that revolutionized the way we play, from Wheel of Fortune and Monopoly to TITO (ticket in, ticket out), linked prgressives and “community” games.  

The latest tech that’s sure to catch on has taken interactivity to a whole new level. Gone are the days when you pushed a button or even touched a “button” on the screen to activate your bonus. Now you can reach up and spin the wheel yourself. Bally’s new Cash Spin machines and its “U-Spin” bonus allow players to spin the bonus wheel with the result being based on their physical input – they start the virtual wheel spinning and the amount of pressure they apply as well as the speed at which they move their hand affects the outcome of the spin. (By the way, you’re not allowed to give that gentle nudge CashSpinblogto click over one space!) 

With the continued rise in popularity of video games among all age groups and demographics as well as the success of games that are more and more interactive for players, it looks like it’s only a matter of time before you’ll see more machines like Cash Spin popping up on slot floors. 

EgyptblogThemed games have also always been popular on floors. Is it a culture like ancient Egypt you’re interested in, or perhaps a trip to London? Maybe it’s just an activity, like fishing. One of the newer trends in slots are themes based on popular culture. Reality TV shows like “Amazing Race” and game shows such as “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” are represented. Even blockbuster films are getting their chance on the floor with games like “Sex and the City.”

SexandtheCityblogUltimately, there’s a game that’s entertaining and fun for just about any taste. We all have our favorites – old and new – and there are surely many more amazing things to come in the future for slots. Whatever your game, we hope you’ll join us here at M Resort to play it.

 
 

Big Bang Foods

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Guest Blogger: Chef Tina Martini 

With the 4th of Julyduckrollsblog holiday just around the corner, we’re doing “Big Bang Foods” this week on Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini here at M Resort. And since the weather in Vegas is so hot this time of year, we thought it might be nice to give you a recipe that gives you that great grilled flavor without ever having to turn the grill on. It’s also a diversion from the “regular” picnic fare and is sure to impress the family and guests: 

Barbecue Duck Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

Chow-Chow

  • 1 head green cabbage, shredded
  • ½ cup diced sweet onion
  • ½ cup chopped green or red bell peppers
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 tsp dry mustard
  • 2 tsp celery seeds
  • 2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp ground ginger

 Spring Rolls

  • 6 duck legs confit
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 red onion, grated
  • Barbecue sauce to taste, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 8 spring roll wrappers
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil for frying

 Directions:

Chow-Chow

In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, onion, peppers, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. The vegetables will release some of their liquid. Drain well in a colander. 

In a large non-reactive saucepan, combine the remaining Chow-Chow ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cabbage mixture and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside. 

Spring Rolls

Pull the meat from the duck legs and shred it coarsely in a large bowl. Toss with the carrot, onion, and just enough barbecue sauce to coat the ingredients. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. 

Soak the spring roll wrappers in warm water for about 2 minutes, until pliable. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Lay the wrappers flat on a work surface and brush all over with the egg. Arrange a row of the duck filling (about the size and shape of a cigar) down the center of each wrapper. Fold the edges of each wrapper over the ends of the row of filling and then roll up tightly to enclose the filling. 

In a large, heavy pot, heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 350°. Fry the spring rolls in batches, being careful not to crowd the pot, for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Remove to paper towels to drain. 

Divide the chow-chow among 8 serving plates. Cut each spring roll in half on the diagonal and set 2 halves on the chow-chow on each plate. Drizzle barbecue sauce around the chow-chow and serve immediately. 

peachbelliniblogWe’re also doing a frozen soufflé and a bubbly peach Bellini this week which are both light and refreshing for summer. If you are grilling this holiday weekend, here are a few tips you may enjoy: 

  • Grilling meat and fish on a bed of sliced fruit is different and creates moisture as well as flavor.
  • Take the chill off the meat or fish to ensure even cooking before placing on the hot grill.
  • Peel a whole pineapple and put it on your rotisserie spit. Melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan and brush the pineapple with the mixture as it turns. The pineapple is done when it is soft and caramelized.
  • Use cinnamon sticks or rosemary stems (remove the leaves) as kabob skewers and grill for added flavor. 

Come join us this week for Big Bang Foods here at M Resort! We’ve got shows Thursday – Saturday (dark on Sunday, July 4) at noon and 4pm!

 
 

Wine Tasting – The Basics

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

winetastingblog1Guest Blogger: Charlie Moavero, Assistant Beverage Manager 

There are a lot of things which connect M Resort with wine – Hostile Grape, our wine bar with more than 160 wines-by-the-glass through our super-cool Enomatic dispensing systems; the Marnell family’s vineyard in California which produces six different labels we serve here at M; the some 250,000 bottles we give away as gifts to iMagine Rewards members every year and of course the fabulous events we host like Rock ‘N Roll Wine’s Reggae Pool Party

With so much here relating to wine in one way or another, we thought it might be helpful to pass along some wine tasting basics that may help you enjoy your wine a little more and possibly discover a new wine you love. Here are some great tips and wine tasting basics from our Assistant Beverage Manager here at M – Charlie Moavero: 

  1. Start with a clear wine glass. The rim of the glass should end inwards to help funnel aromas to the nose and allow you to swirl without spilling.
  2. Now pour a little wine into your glass – an inch or less is best. If you are tasting several wines, begin with the lightest (sparkling wines, roses, then light whites followed by full-bodied whites) and progress to the heaviest (light reds to more full-bodied reds followed by dessert wines). This will help keep your taste buds more sensitive so you can better appreciate each wine in the series. A sip of water between wines can also help preserve your palate.
  3. winetastingblog2Notice the color of the wine. It often helps to hold the glass up to light or hold it against a white background like a white napkin. The color can give you a clue as to the age of the wine. White wines generally gain color as they age. Red wines generally lose color. That is, young red wines are more red or burgundy while older wines tend to show a hint of tawny brown around the rim. Regardless of age, the colors of wine are just fun to see, ranging from pale yellow-green to ruby red to brick red-brown.
  4. Swirl the wine a couple of times by moving the glass in a circular motion. Holding the glass by its stem, instead of the bowl, allows you to swirl more easily. Swirling is done to aerate the wine and release vapors, evaporating from the sides of the glass, allowing you to better smell the wine.
  5. winetastingblog3Put your nose right over the rim of the wine glass and breathe in. Take note of the wine’s aromas and bouquet (the range of smells a particular wine possesses).
  6. Take a sip, letting the wine spread across the tongue from front to back and side to side before swallowing. Notice the flavors and acidity of the wine. How silky or rough does the wine feel?
  7. Swallow a small amount if you wish to note any lingering “finish,” but if you’re tasting a number of wines – in a winery tasting room, for example – your host will usually provide a large container for you to spit out the wine instead of swallowing. (Don’t worry, this isn’t rude!) Everyone in the wine trade is accustomed to the swirl-sniff-sip-slosh-spit routine. No one wants an intoxicated taster or worse, an intoxicated driver. 

The bottom line is that a good wine should always give pleasure. It should smell good, taste even better and be smooth and satisfying by itself or with whatever food you’re pairing it with.

 
 

Veils & Vino

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

BrideblogWedding season is in full swing and Vegas just happens to be the wedding capital of the world. With all that matrimony in the air, we decided to offer you an event that’s all about weddings. M Resort will host the “Veils and Vino” Bridal Affair presented by Mix 94.1 and  98.5 KLUC on Saturday, June 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. inside our conference center. The event is open and free to the public.

Veils & Vino is the ultimate in everything bridal, from invitations and catering to décor and fashion. Designed to be an intimate event and to provide brides-to-be with one-on-one attention, Veils and Vino will feature approximately 20 wedding industry vendors that are a must-see for any bride planning her big day. 

The intimate bridal affair begins with a cocktail reception sponsored by Möet champagne and culminates in a spectacular fashion show featuring the latest bridal gowns and wedding attire. Veils & Vino takes place inside our expansive conference space, which affords brides-to-be the opportunity to visualize our wedding facilities, which include multiple meeting rooms, a spacious ballroom and outdoor terraces. The boutique size of the resort will allow it to become your wedding party’s personal playground. Imagine a bridal party spa day in Spa Mio, a bachelorette party poolside, rehearsal dinner 16 floors up in Veloce and a wedding reception in the grand ballroom.    

Brides will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from M’s catering and banquet team and destination spa and to see how all their wedding needs can be customized under one roof – including their wedding cake. We’ll be showcasing custom wedding cakes made by award-winning pastry chef Jean Claude Canestrier which are available in our patisserie Baby Cakes

Spa Mio will showcase the essentials every bridal party needs to get ready for (and relax after) the big day including hair, facials, makeup, barber services, massages and more. Spa Mio will also offer attendees the opportunity to enter to win four amazing prize packages at its vendor booth including a Wedding Night Package (valued at $4,700), Celebration Package (valued at $1,500), Wedding Day Salon Package (valued at $800) and Day After Wedding Relaxation Package (valued at $425). Complete details can be found at the M Resort booth.

We’re looking forward to seeing you here this Saturday, June 26!

 
 

Summer is here…officially.

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

SunblogYesterday, June 21, was the summer solstice (for those of us in the northern hemisphere) and what is often described as the “official” start of summer. Well, if you don’t know much about the summer solstice, it’s when the sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer and the farthest north the sun “moves” in the sky. (Let us not forget what we were taught in school and remember that it’s the earth that’s actually moving!) “Solstice” comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the sun stands still in declination; that is, the apparent movement of the sun’s path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.The summer solstice occurs around June 20 or 21 and for all our friends in the southern hemisphere, it’s their winter solstice. Brrrr. 

VegasSignblogThe summer solstice is the official astronomical start of summer. From a meteorological standpoint, summer is generally classified as the months of June, July and August and therefore starts the first of June. From a Vegas standpoint, well, summer pretty much feels like May through October. We think that’s just perfect though because let’s face it, there are a lot of people who either live and work here or visit because of all the sunshine. Our lowest monthly average possibility of sunshine? 77 percent for January. The highest? Right now, at 93 percent for June. That means there are about 28 sunny days in June. Nice. 

Let’s face it – all that sun means it can get pretty hot. If you’re visiting us here in America’s Playground during the summer months, there are a few things you ought to remember: First, stay hydrated. While we certainly appreciate all the yard-long cocktails and giant beers tourists consume while here, it’s important to drink plenty of water too. Believe us, you’ll feel better and you can enjoy yourself more and a lot longer. Second, distances between properties, especially on the Strip can Taxiblogbe deceiving. You have to remember just how large these buildings are and that they often appear closer than they really are. If you’re going to “walk it,” give yourself more time than you think you’ll need, make some pit-stops and be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen. Third, if you decide to take a cab, you should know they aren’t legally allowed to stop on the street and pick you up. There’s no waving your hand or whistling for a taxi here in Vegas – you’ll need to go to the entrance of a property or other area where the cabs are able to safely pull off the street. That cab driver isn’t ignoring you – just obeying the law. Fourth, visit M Resort , because it’s just so worth it.

 
 

A Day at M for Dad

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Father’s Day is almost upon us and there’s no better way to spoil your dad than with a delightful day at M Resort. We know it can be difficult to come up with special things to do for dads on Father’s Day, so here’s a few of our favorite picks that are sure to please him: 

SpaMioblogFirst, get him ready for his big day with a trip to Spa Mio. He may resist at first, but you can assure him spas are for guys too and don’t worry, there’s a “man cave.” The “Mio Man Time Package offers a 50-minute Therapeutic Massage and a Haircut or Master Shave for just $140 (a $50 savings). Or how about the “Dad’s Day Out” package – a 50-minute Relaxation Massage and a For Him Facial for just $185 (a $70 savings). Maybe the “Mr. Big Package” – a Master Shave or Haircut and Manicure and Pedicure for dad for just $125 (a $15 savings). Believe us, if he’s never had a master shave it’s going to make his day!

BabyCakesblogHe’s bound to be hungry so head over to Baby Cakes where you can get dad a delicious cup of coffee (or he can even indulge in that mocha-frappa-latte-whipped-cream-thingy we know he loves but he’ll never admit to) and a fresh-made pastry. Italian donut anyone? 

poolblogThen it’s time for a little fun in the Vegas sun. Rent dad a cabana or day bed where he can relax poolside with a fresh summer cocktail or ice cold beer. There’s cool blue waters and spectacular scenery for him to enjoy while he works hard at being lazy. 

StudioBblogHungry again!? It’s time to settle down and indulge in the best buffet in Las Vegas – Studio B. Beer and wine are included in the price and when it comes to eats, he’ll find more choices than he can imagine – delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts that won’t quit! The whole family can go back for more…and more…and more. 

CasinoFloorblogWe know dad has given you money a TON of times, so maybe you should slip him a twenty and take him to his favorite game. Is he a blackjack man? Poker? Maybe he likes to hit the slots? Give him the chance to win it big on his big day. 

32degreesblogLet’s face it, most dads like beer, sports and TV. Just off the casino floor he’ll find his dream trifecta in 32° Draft Bar. With 96 beers on tap there’s something he’s sure to like while he watches all the games on a slew of TVs. He can even pop over to the Race & Sports Book to make a bet. If he’d rather stay where he’s at, we’ve got mobile gaming and betting for him! 

TerzettoblogIt’s time for dad’s special Father’s Day meal and there’s no better place than Terzetto. It’s home to hand-selected prime cuts of beef, including a reserve list from the Marnell family ranch in Montana. Dine on the terrace and watch the sun set with a spectacular view of the Strip and valley. 

Remember that dads need the best when it comes to rest and relaxation this Father’s Day and you’ll find the best here at M Resort. And don’t forget to tell him you love him and thank him for all he does!

 
 

Uncommon Threads

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

When designing and building a property like M Resort, there are a million details that you simply can’t afford to overlook. From the layout of the casino floor to the buffet menu and the light fixtures to the sheets your guests will sleep on, the list simply goes on and on and seems to never end. One thing that can sometimes fall by the wayside is uniforms. You may think that uniforms are a trifling cog in the vast machine that is a casino resort, but when you really stop and think about it, they are incredibly important to the team members and guests. 

Uniforms3blogUnlike some properties where the uniforms seem to match the riotous carpet, the uniforms at M are simple and classy. Before the property was even a hole in the ground, planning for uniforms began. M chose to work with Cintas. Cintas operates more than 390 facilities in the U.S. and Canada, including four manufacturing plants and eight distribution centers that employ more than 30,000 people. More than 5 million people a day go to work in a uniform provided by Cintas every day. (They also do a whole lot of things other than uniforms!) Why Cintas? They were able to work with M and provide custom uniforms as well as consult, design and implement our custom uniform facilities. With multiple deadlines to be met, Cintas became the one-stop-shop for all things uniform. 

Uniforms2blogWhile Cintas provides a multitude of “standard” uniform selections for every position from cocktail server to dealer, housekeeper to bellman and beyond, approximately 75 percent of the uniforms you’ll find gracing the team members at M Resort are custom. Because the property itself is so distinctive, the uniforms themselves were created to harmonize with the surroundings. You’ll find dark chocolate browns, silky creams, deep red tones and crisp black suits. 

We want to provide uniforms that are of course functional and comfortable, but also that make our team members feel good about themselves and their appearance. As a guest, the team member uniforms should be pleasing to your eye. They should enhance the team member’s appearance and make you as the guest, feel comfortable and certain you’re dealing with professionals. Uniforms are a part of your overall guest experience and therefore cannot be overlooked. 

Uniforms1blogBut what about the service side of things? How is it that we manage to provide clean uniforms every day for all those team members? And for that matter, how is it that they even get those uniforms every day? M Resort worked with Cintas to design an automated facility and system allowing team members to simply walk up to a window, identify themselves with their M Resort ID, and like magic, their uniform appears. Operating much like machines you see at a drycleaners, the uniforms rotate on large racks (M’s room houses three that hold 600+ garments apiece) which are controlled by computers. You’ll also find a few full-time and highly skilled tailors for repairs and alterations. 

Uniforms4blogWhat does this magic uniform room mean to you as a guest? Part of M Resort’s 4-star rating includes our ability to provide express garment service. Lost a button on your blouse just before that big meeting? Tore the pocket on your trousers? Not to worry – we’ve got things all sewn up.