What time is it? Martini Time!

January 20th, 2010 by Admin

A new show is cooking in Las Vegas and it’s ours!  On January 26, we’re debuting Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini. When it opens next week, it will be the newest live show in the city. This show is about feeding people’s desire to learn more about cooking and their desire to eat great food.

 This isn’t your typical over-the-top Vegas show.  Instead it’s a completely different concept – healthy entertainment – one that is unique and refreshing. There aren’t aerial acrobats spinning down from the ceiling, the studio “theatre” is likely the most intimate in the city with only about 50 seats and the “performer” well, she’s a chef and she’s interested in learning about you – meaning she takes audience questions and wants audience participation. She cooks and talks while you get to eat and if you’re lucky, be brought on-stage to assist with the preparation.  

 It’s hard to believe that in a city, which many people say is the culinary capital of the world, there are no culinary stage shows based here. A lot of places have celebrity chefs – it’s practically a staple in Las Vegas– which the Marnell family introduced when they owned and operated the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino – but not all these chefs are necessarily approachable. Millions of Americans watch shows on the Food Network, but while they’re sitting on their couch or following along and attempting to make the dish they can’t raise their hand and ask their TV questions.  Plus, we haven’t evolved yet for smell-o-vision. As an audience member at Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini, people can ask questions and even better yet – smell the dish as it’s being prepared. Let us be the first to say, you don’t have to be passionate about cooking to enjoy the show. After all, you still get to learn a thing or two, sample a dish or drink and enjoy the buffet afterward! We think that’s a pretty good deal.

 We’ll catch up with Chef Tina in a later blog post, but below are the details and a special promo video for the show.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow at noon. We hope you’ll check out the show.

It's Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini

Show Dates:  Sundays-Thursdays; Dark Fridays and Saturdays

Show Times: 10 am, 1 pm and 4 pm

Show Location: Studio B Buffet – cooking studio inside M Resort

Ticket Prices: $39.95, $49.95 and $59.95 inclusive of tax and fees. Ticket prices include a Studio B Buffet lunch or dinner (depending on show time) AND reserved seating at the buffet immediately following the show. If you’ve ever come to our buffet, you know that sometimes the line can be up to 2 hours long!

Ticket Sales: Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the iMagine Rewards Center between 8 am and 10 pm.

Guests must be age 12 or older.

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Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree Gets Recycled

January 12th, 2010 by M Social Media Team

This morning with the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department, First Choice Tree Service and Federal Heath Sign Company we were able to recycle the nation’s tallest Christmas tree!

Tree-Recycle-5     

 Tree-Recycle-2

Working with the COH Parks and Recreation Department, our 109 ft. white fir was recycled as part of the City’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program. It was the last – and largest – of more than 2,000 Christmas trees recycled through the City’s program this season.

Tree-Recycle-4

It was quite a task to get our massive tree ready to be recycled. It took us four days to remove all the ornaments and lights and another day to lift the tree out of our piazza and into a space that would work for the chipping. Because of the tree’s size we had to cut it into four pieces and shave the branches down into smaller pieces to fit into the chipper. Working with Federal Heath and First Choice Tree Service – both who donated services for the project – the  branches were put through a chipper and turned into mulch.  (Pictured: Officials from the COH Henderson Parks & Recreation Deparment, M Resort and First Choice Tree Service)

Tree-Recycle-3

According to Doug Guild, CPRP Parks Operations Manager for the City of Henderson, the mulch made from our tree is equivalent to approximately 100 home Christmas trees. The mulch will be used in landscaping throughout the City of Henderson’s 50 parks.

Special thanks to KLAS Ch. 8 (CBS) and KVVU Ch. 5 (FOX) who came out for the event. You can catch the coverage on their newscasts tonight.

Tree-Recycle-1 Tree-Recycle-6

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Welcome 2010

January 6th, 2010 by M Social Media Team

This past Thursday, with thousands of our guests, some old friends and some new faces, we welcomed 2010 with parties throughout our resort. To everyone who celebrated with us – thank you. To our fellow team members that made ringing in the New Year a success – a very special thank you.

Happy-New-Year-Sign

We have a lot of things planned this year and we’re looking forward to sharing them with all of you.

Here’s a look at some of the things the M Resort is planning for 2010:

Festivals, festivals and more festivals. Last year, we introduced the Italian Festival – a family tradition that we’re bringing back yearly. We had a summer bash for July 4 and the community event for the lighting of our Christmas tree. Let us be the first say, there is much more in store. The M team has created a stellar calendar of events and entertainment that will be fun for the entire community. We’re talking about cook-offs, pool parties and just plain-old fun-for-the-family events.

Entertainment. Plans are underway to kick our entertainment up a notch. Big things are on the horizon and we can’t wait to share the news with you. Stay tuned…

More Demonstrations in our Cooking Studio. We have just barely brushed the surface of the many capabilities of our intimate 50-seat cooking studio inside our Studio B Buffet. Last year, we welcomed several guest chefs into the studio and many of you were able to check it out. This year, we’re gearing up for more demonstrations and lots more fun.

More interaction with you. A few months ago we began our journey into the social sphere. We started our blog and we’re also on Twitter (@mresort) and Facebook. Thank you to all our fans, followers and those of you who read this blog. The interaction and real-time communication that we’ve been able to have with you has been very cool and we’re excited to see it grow. This year, you’ll see more of our team members showing their faces on video and we’ll introduce more fun tips and tidbits. We plan to continue interacting with you and showcasing the people behind the M Resort.

Thank you for your patronage and best wishes for you and your family in 2010.

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Holiday Must-Haves, Must-Tastes and Must-Sees

December 15th, 2009 by M Social Media Team

We’ve set up our holiday decorations – wreaths, lights, Santa’s sleigh and the nation’s tallest Christmas Tree. In addition to all the great décor, we’ve introduced specialty holiday cocktails at our destination bars, menu items for Christmas day in our restaurants and featured seasonal specials in our patisserie. With so much to see and taste this December, we went to work to compile our list of holiday must-haves, must-tastes and must-sees while you’re at the M Resort this month.

Here are our recommendations (in no particular order):

Must-Tastes

  1. Pumpkin Apple Vanilla Muffins inside Baby Cakes (there’s also Pumpkin Almond Scones that are amazing!) Ultra-moist with just the right amount of sweetness these delicious muffins are good any time of day.
  2. Marinelli’s ravioli of winter squash, crisp pancetta, with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme pesto. A December dining favorite, the ravioli hits the spot this month. To sweeten the deal, Marinelli’s is offering a complimentary pasta entrée with the purchase of one, Sun-Thurs.
  3. The Café Saint Nick. This coffee drinks packs a great punch. It’s made with Peppermint Schnapps, Godiva Chocolate liqueur and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Of course, can’t forget to top it off with whipped cream and a candy cane!

Must-Sees

  1. Well, we had to put our tree on the list as a Must-See because it is after all the nation’s tallest Christmas Tree. It’s lit nightly on our piazza.
  2. The 35 gingerbread houses created by Clark County elementary schools. The talent and creativity of our local elementary school students and teachers will blow you away. The houses are on display under our grand staircase in front of Spa Mio. 
  3. The view from Veloce Cibo, our 16th floor restaurant on New Year’s Eve. Yes, we’re already talking about New Year’s Eve. We’re convinced the M Resort has one of the most spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. After all, we do sit 400 feet higher in elevation than any other casino on Las Vegas Blvd. We have hotel packages available if you’d like to stay at the resort and enjoy the New Year’s celebration. The packages come with lots of additional amenities like 2-for-1 drinks, late check out and spa access. If you just want to party without the stay, you can get tickets to the different venues through Ticketmaster.

Must-Haves

  1. Gingerbread House Kit for the family.  Once you see the elementary school gingerbread houses we know you’ll want to create one of your own. We have gingerbread houses available at Baby Cakes for just $7.50.
  2. An iMagine Rewards card. Qualified members benefit all month long with free gifts including wine, champagne, holiday shirts, platters, ornaments, aprons and more.
  3. Gift card from the M Resort. Why not give an entire resort as a gift? You can purchase gift cards in any denomination to use at our spa, destination bars or restaurants. Plus, if you’re an iMagine Rewards Card member (see above about that) you receive 25% off gift cards when you use your points.  
  4. $18 wine from Baby Cakes.  Need a gift for the holiday party? A stocking stuffer for an adult? Or just want to indulge yourself? We have great Rieslings and Pinot Noirs available for just $18 inside Baby Cakes.
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Decorating the Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree @ M Resort

December 9th, 2009 by M Social Media Team

Through the wind, rain and 40 degree temperatures, we’re still decorating our tree. As many of you know, our 109 ft. White Fir arrived early last week after a 900+ mile trip from Oregon on the largest allowable flatbed truck. It took a team of more than a dozen people to hoist the 22,000 pound tree into our piazza!

Well, the day was hoisted into place was the day the real work began. Our team of decorators went to work to make it prettyand decorate it with thousands of lights and ornaments. Below are photos taken today of some of the decorations going up. The tree will be completely lit with white lights and adorn with red, green and gold ornaments come Saturday.

Chirstmas-Tree-Full-View   

 Chirstmas-Tree-Decoration-Lift

Chirstmas-Tree-Decoration-sign

We can’t wait to see it shimmer and shine this Saturday night. Don’t forget to join us for the lighting of the Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree on 12/12. Doors open at 5 pm with the official lighting at 6:30 pm. Make sure to dress warm!  We’ll have hot chocolate and Christmas cookies available too and a special thanks to Helen C. Cannon Jr High School, Las Vegas Academy’s Advanced Women Choir, Dance Zone and Phat Stad for performing live on our piazza for the event.

Don’t forget to bring a canned food item, gently used coat or new, un-wrapped toy to help us support Three Square, Catholic Charities and Toys for Tots. We offered the organizations a cabana to decorate and we can’t wait to see them!

We’ll also have gingerbread houses created by Clark County elementary schools are display too. Thank you to all the teachers – we loved your support and willingness to participate in our gingerbread house contest.

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Meet the M Resort’s “Willie Wonka” of Pastries & Chocolate

December 2nd, 2009 by M Social Media Team

Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Claude Canestrier

Chef Jean-Claude

Take a walk through our Studio B Buffet or Baby Cakes patisserie and you’re bound to see some of Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Claude Canestrier’s culinary artistry. From pulled sugar sculptures to a collection of  exquisite chocolates , Chef Jean-Claude is a confection master. His many distinguished awards include winning the title of World Champion Pastry Chef in 2002 and the USA National Pastry Championship in 2001.

What began as a love for sweet treats quickly became a career. With more than 25 years of experience, Chef Jean-Claude (and his team) whip up confections daily for hundreds and thousands of guests dining at the M Resort or having events, meetings and parties here. His creations are featured in the buffet, patisserie and throughout the resort.

On a walk through the pastry kitchen, Chef Jean-Claude offers an insider’s view of the operation. Trays of Christmas cookies are stacked on rolling racks. Shells for gingerbread houses sit waiting to be used. Chef Jean-Claude, in his white jacket, makes sure every last drop of frosting is spread evenly and to perfection. He wipes his hands on his flour-covered jacket. Looking down, his shoes are equally splattered with frosting and sugar – true marks of a pastry chef.

 Gingerbread Cookies

“Our desserts are prepared from quality ingredients, filled with flavor and texture and beautifully presented,” says Chef Jean-Claude, in his charismatic French accent. You can tell that this is one Frenchman who is quite serious about his sweets.

“I don’t really have a favorite thing to make. I do what I have to do. I make gingerbread houses, sugar displays, cakes, gelato. People love gelato,” he says shrugging. “But I can’t make a lot of interesting flavors because people always like just chocolate, strawberry, vanilla,” he says with a smirk.

His days are long and end with lists of more things to do the next day. “I enjoy it, though. I love to see people happy and enjoying the desserts that I have made,” says Chef Jean-Claude.

*****

Our “Willie Wonka” will be whipping up weekly specials inside Baby Cakes, starting today.

  • This week – Signature M Sugar Cookies
  • Week 2 – Christmas Fruit Cakes
  • Week 3 – Chocolate Orange Panettone
  • Week 4 – Italian Holiday Pine Nut Cookies

Just follow your nose…but, if you can’t smell…Baby Cakes is conveniently located adjacent to the main lobby.

Hours – Sun-Thurs: 7 am to 10 pm; Fri-Sat: 7 am to 11 pm

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Celebrate with Cocktail Cheer

November 24th, 2009 by M Social Media Team

With Thanksgiving just mere days away, we thought we’d take a look at some of our tasting concoctions available on the big day. We have more than 100 hand-crafted cocktails that are unique our resort and that were created by our resident mixologist and beverage manager Charlie Moavero. Charlie is always experimenting and coming up with unique beverages.

Charlie created some delicious cocktails especially for this Thursday. The Pumpkin Spice is our seasonal favorite. Pumpkin just makes us think of the holidays, harvest and family gatherings. Our Pumpkin Spice Cocktail is  light on the pumpkin (but still delicious!) and topped with cream and cinnamon.

Pumpkin Spice Cocktail

PumpkinSpiceCocktail

 You can make this liquid delight too.

  •   3 oz. Pumpkin infused Vanilla Vodka
  •   .75 oz. Butterscotch Schnapps
  •   . 25 oz. Cinnamon Schnapps
  •   .25 oz. White Crème de Cacao
  •   .25 oz Half and Half

Shake all ingredients with ice until well blended. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a   graham cracker rim. Top with a layer of Amaretto whipped cream and cinnamon.

Some other yummy selections available on Thanksgiving include Cranberry Margarita and Nutty Caramel Apple Pie. If you don’t feel like being a mixologist at home, come to Veloce, Terzetto, Marinelli’s, Red Cup or Lobby Bar on Thanksgiving for a little liquid holiday cheer.

Don’t forget, we also have Thanksgiving menus in all our restaurants that will have you giving thanks to our chefs. Think Ravioli Di Zucca (Ravioli filled with roasted butter nut squash and walnuts in a brown butter sage sauce and parmesan cheese – Marinelli’s) or Cider and Honey Brined Roasted Turkey Breast, savory stuffing with apples and giblet gravy – Terzetto)! You can view complete menus on our Web site.

Happy Thanksgiving from the M Resort!

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First Look at the Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree

November 17th, 2009 by M Social Media Team

We know, we know, Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened and here we are posting about our December holiday happenings, but we are truly so excited to share our BIG news that we just couldn’t help it. This year, we’re celebrating big, really big. So big that we’re the home of the Nation’s Tallest Christmas Tree!  Here’s a first look at our tree – it’s the beautiful one in the center of our photo!

MChristmasTreeFirstLook

One of the common questions we’ve been getting is – is it really the tallest? YES! We’re taller than Rockefeller (76 ft Norway Spruce) and we’re taller than the Capitol Christmas Tree (85 ft Blue Spruce). We’re even taller than South Coast Plaza’s tree (96-ft White Fir). South Coast Plaza is in Costa Mesa, California for those wondering.

Our beautiful White Fir will stand proudly at 109 ft.

Our tree will make the approximately 900-mile trip here to be placed in our piazza for the entire city of Las Vegas (and nation) to see. Our outdoor piazza was so well-designed that even a hole for the tree was pre-dug during construction. That’s advanced planning at its finest.

We hope the tree will bring visitors to our great city and also spread a little holiday cheer throughout our community and the nation.

We’ll be sure to post photos of the tree’s arrival, decorating and of course the lighting. We’re also creating a special tree commercial that we’ll post as soon as it’s finished – we might even show some previews.

Mark your calendars now – the Tree Lighting Ceremony will be Saturday, December 12 at 5 pm. We’ve got much more in store for the month of December and we’ll be spreading holiday cheer right here every Tuesday.

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Turkey Day Wine Picks

November 11th, 2009 by M Social Media Team

When it comes to wine and Thanksgiving dinner – relax! There’s no one wine you SHOULD have with this special dinner, but rather, there are many opportunities that lend themselves to pair different wines based on each course and your tastes. On the other hand, if you want to make it simple, provide a red and a white variety and go for a lighter, fruity style such as Pinot Grigio or a Pinot Noir. They work with both turkey and traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. The Hostile Grape Wine Cellar here at the M Resort offers many for you to choose.

Here are four wine recommendations from Agi Toth, Sommelier at the M Resort:

Jeio Prosecco, NV, Italy

This light, refreshing bubbly is a great way to start off the Thanksgiving holiday.  It’s bright acidity and soft fruity flavors will bring on an appetite for your turkey feast.

Dillmann Delight, 2007 Riesling

A slightly sweet riesling with citrus, tropical fruit and mineral aromas, this light-bodied, un-oaked wine complements creamy sauces and balances the spicier dishes.

Drouhin, 2007 Beaujolais Villages

A classic fruity red wine from France, this wine is a soft easy-drinking option for those red wine lovers.

Concha y Toro, Casillero del Diablo, Carmenere 2007

If you’re looking for something richer, spicier and brimming with darker luscious fruit, try a little Chilean carmenere, an old-world variety with a new-world twist that will stand up to your rich gravies and roasted turkeys.

Remember, you don’t have to serve the same wine throughout the meal. Just include an additional glass or two to the place setting and let your guests try different wines with each dish. Stop in and talk to one of the Hostile Grape’s sommeliers and they’ll steer you in the direction that suites your taste and your pocketbook!  Hostile Grape is also offering 10 percent off a bottle when you purchase it at Hostile Grape!

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Celebrity Hairstylin’ at Spa Mio

November 4th, 2009 by M Social Media Team

Spa Mio Entrance

You probably already know that Spa Mio is a world-class spa, but what you probably don’t know is that we have a celebrity hair stylist in our spa. Enter – Anthony B.  Anthony got the chance to work at this year’s 61st Primetime Emmy Awards!

We sat down with him to talk about everything from stylin’ hair at the Emmy Awards, to how he got started in the biz and why he loves it so much.

Tell to us about the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards. That must have been a huge honor for you to get the call to style the hair of celebrities.  What was the experience like?

Styling hair at an awards show is such a fun, hectic experience. The day of the Emmy’s I worked a solid 12 hours. We had dry runs to make sure each celebrity liked their hair style and then we did the real thing.  It’s crazy! I’ve styled hair at awards shows before, but each one is obviously different. I’m working on different hair and there are different needs involved.

I love working the shows though because the energy is always so high. People are rehearsing on stage, production crews are setting up and there’s just a lot going on around you and it’s exciting.

How did the opportunity come about?

I’ve worked several awards shows styling celebrities’ hair, so I usually get the call to do the shows from people that I know in the industry and off I go.

Who were some of the celebrities that you styled for this year’s Emmy Awards?

I did a lot of the presenters’ hair. I worked on Kate Walsh, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Blake Lively and Debra Messing.

Any fun tidbits you have about working on their hair?

They all have great hair and they were incredibly down-to-earth and very nice. Sorry, nothing juicy!

What did you take away from the experience?

I loved seeing the behind-the-scenes. It always amazes me how much goes into these shows. You see the crew setting up and all these well-known actors and actresses actually rehearsing their lines. I saw Bob Newhart – he’s legendary – rehearsing his lines. It’s seeing things like that that make it fun for me.

What do you like most about your job?

I love doing hair. I was born to do it. I enjoy interacting with people and giving them confidence with just a haircut. I really do love working at Spa Mio. The place is truly beautiful. I’ve worked in hot salons around the country, but this one just blows me away.

How did you get started?

I’ve been a hairstylist for almost 20 years. I did my friend’s hair one day when I was a kid and just honest-to-God liked doing it and knew it was what I wanted to do. I’ve been able to live all over – Las Vegas, London, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. I’ve worked with some of the top people and in some of the top places in the industry and it has been great. 

What advice do you have for people when it comes to hair?

  1. Really know your hair.
  2. If you like someone’s hair cut, don’t be afraid to walk up to them and ask who cuts it.
  3. Listen to your stylist.
  4. Keep is simple. Don’t try to reproduce exactly what the stylist did in the salon. We use different styling products and unless you have those same products at home, you won’t be able to replicate the look exactly.
  5. Don’t get into a rut. Make sure you re-invent yourself and try new hairstyles and color.
  6. Above all: Do not cut your own hair.

Spa Mio Lounge
Spa Mio and Salon is open daily from 7 am-7pm. Be sure to stop in and say hi to Anthony when you’re here.

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