Posts Tagged ‘Hostile Grape’

 

Ten Off the Cuff Vol. III

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

We know you were waiting!!! Here are 10 more off-the-cuff things we think are pretty cool at M Resort that you should know about:

TerzettopatioblogIf you haven’t dined outside on the Terzetto patio, it’s a must. The view is great and the infinity pools are definitely cool. They also make a perfect aisle if you’re looking for a unique spot to get married.

 

 

 

ObeliskblogThe obelisk out by the porte cochere is something you should take a gander at. It’s made of bronze and kind of resembles a gun sight. If you follow its line, it travels through the lobby, out over the pool, across the main stage and out to the famous Las Vegas strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MainstageblogAnd how about that main stage? An amazing view for guests and performers alike. 

BallroomblogOkay, okay, maybe it’s just a ballroom, but it’s a HUGE ballroom and you might not have even known it was here tucked away on the spa level. Reception after Terzetto patio ceremony? Yep.

 

 

 

FitnessCenterviewblog

 There’s no better motivation to get fit than gazing out over our spectacular pool. Our fitness center offers a view for aesthetics and to help you keep going.

 

 

 

 

HashHousetractorblog

 

Antique tractor in a casino? Cool.

 

 
 

 

 

CeilingTilesblogYou may not have known what you were looking at, but the tiles covering the columns and ceiling on the casino floor are mother of pearl.

 

 

 

 

 

GlassElevatorblogMaybe you’ve never used it or even seen it, but there’s a sweet glass elevator between the Lobby Bar and Oyster Bar – it travels down to the spa level and then further down to Hostile Grape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mgastationblog

 

 

 That’s right, M Resort has a gas station and you can use your iMagine Rewards points there. Nice.

 

 

  

VigTripleCrownblog

 

Can’t remember all the Triple Crown Winners? Who took the World Series in 1966? The walls at Vig Deli are covered in sports factoids to peak your interest or settle the debate.

 

Another 10! Check ‘em out next time you visit us here at M!

 
 

Ten Off the Cuff Vol. II

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

We know you wanted another one, right? Here are 10 more off-the-cuff things we think are pretty cool at M Resort that you should know about:

The pastries at Baby Cakes are divine. Have one with your coffee, as an afternoon snack or take a big bag home or to the office. Believe us, they’re gonna love you for it.

 

 

 

We’ve told you a bit about the loft suites and this is definitely one of the coolest features. As if the spectacular view, immaculate room and floor-to-ceiling windows weren’t enough, the TV above the bed appears magically and tilts to just the right angle for you to watch while sprawled out in that oh-so-comfy bed.

 

 

VelocePatioblogAbove that loft suite? One of the most amazing outdoor spaces in Vegas. The patio outside Veloce’s bar and lounge is something you have to experience. Relax with some sangria and watch the sunset.

 

 

 

 

imaginerewardsblogThe iMagine Rewards Club is cool. The point system is better, the gifts are better, the staff is friendlier, the cards just look niftier….

 

 

 

 

 

naturallightblog

And while you’re using that card, enjoy some of that natural light in the casino. WHAT?! NATURAL LIGHT IN A CASINO?! Yup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TerzettoTableblogBeen to Terzetto yet? It’s our steakhouse and if you’re looking for a very cool place to dine, try the feature table. “Look mom, no legs!”

 

 

 

 

 

HGceilingblog

When it comes to cool things suspended from the ceiling, head down to Hostile Grape. Those are thousands of slats from wine barrels which came from the Marnell winery in Napa. An artist put them together, numbered them, took them all apart, then reassembled them here at the property.

 

 

 

cardsblogDon’t know about you, but logoed playing cards are just cool. They scream “Vegas.”

 

 

 

 

 

StudioKitchenblogHopefully you’ve seen it by now, but if you haven’t, you need to check it out. It’s a restaurant, it’s a buffet, it’s a show kitchen/TV studio? Just like you’d find your favorite celeb chef in on TV, there’s a show kitchen inside Studio B with lights, cameras and plenty of cooking action with Martini Time – Vegas’ only live cooking show.

 

 

 

bettingstationblogSports betting at M is something you have to try. Look at the betting stations!

 

That’s 10! Check them out next time you visit us here at M!

 
 

Wine Tasting – The Basics

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Guest 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. Notice 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.winetastingblog2
  4. Swirl the wine a couple of times by moving the glass in a circular motion. Holding the glass by its step, 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. Put your nose right over the rim of the wine glass and breathe in. Take note of the wines 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.winetastingblog3

 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.

 
 

Wines for Summer

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

While we think any time of year is a great time to drink wine, there’s something particularlyPoolLoungersblog wonderful about drinking a perfectly chilled glass of white while enjoying the sunshine. Whether it’s by the pool, at a backyard barbecue or at your favorite restaurant or wine bar at M Resort (wink, wink), summer is a particularly good time to enjoy some wine. We asked our friend Sam Bennett from Hostile Grape for a few of his summer recommendations and here’s what he had to say:

 

Drylands Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Sauvignon Blanc is always a good choice for summertime. Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand has racy acidity, with grapefruit dominated citrus notes and is very crisp and refreshing. This wine and other New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs pair well with shellfish (especially oysters) and salads. The acidity present makes them very food friendly. One must be careful with acidic salad dressings though because clashing acids can be unpleasant.

PoolWineblogMönchhof Robert Eymael Slate Riesling Spätlese Mosel, Germany
Riesling is a good choice as well because it is normally lower in alcohol which leads to balance.  Notes of stone fruits dominated by peach, lemon zest and sometimes a little sweetness makes it a good patio wine that pairs well with some Roots Reggae like Peter Tosh and Bob Marley.

Perrier-Jouët “Grand Brut” Champagne Epernay, France
Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Sparkling Wine 2001 Sonoma Valley, California
Sparkling wines and champagne are great for the summer as well. The bubbles cleanse your palate and that makes these wines very refreshing. Real champagne from the Champagne region of France will normally have toasty oak notes and “yeasty” and “bready” characteristics. Sparkling wines from California will tend to have more tropical fruit notes and less of the yeasty/bready characteristics.

Remember these are very general characteristics and individual wines may vary. And don’t forget that wine pairs great with food from the grill – backyard barbecues aren’t just for beer lovers!

 
 

Secrets behind F&B at M Resort

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

If you’re a regular reader of The M Point of View blog, a visitor to the property or even a fan of reality TV, you probably know that food and beverage is one of the most, if not the most important component of what M Resort has to offer. From the award-winning Studio B Buffet to the unique views and culinary delights offered by Veloce Cibo, food and beverage is integral to what we do here. That being said, we thought we’d offer you an insider’s view of some F&B secrets at M: 

TerzetoNewYorkStripblogThe property has nearly 30,000 square feet of kitchen and culinary work areas dedicated to the culinary arts.

Want that crusty ciabatta that tastes just like it does in Italy? At the M Resort, you’ll get it. The resort “creates” its own water on-site to make its breads and pastries. The PH balance of the water can be adjusted to match the exact PH balance of the water in any city in the world. When it comes to making bread and pastries, the interaction between the water and the other ingredients is critical, creating distinct flavors and textures. New York-style bagels are made with water that matches New York and French baguettes are matched to Paris.

Farm fresh is not just a saying at the M Resort. The property offers a reserve list of American-raised Wagyu Kobe Beef from the Marnell family ranch in Montana in its Terzetto Steak and Seafood restaurant. Much like a reserve wine list, the reserve beef list offers connoisseurs a taste and tenderness that will definitely impress – our guests go through 6,000 lbs. a month.

tapsblogFresh from the sea? Well not quite, but as close as we can get. A peek inside our main kitchen reveals holding tanks where seafood is kept “still kickin’” as long as possible to offer you the freshest product on your plate.

Charcuterie? That’s the fancy French name for a place you cure and sell meat. Here at M, we cure our own meats such as pastrami, salami and pepperoni. We’re ageing our own cheeses too.

Not only will you find 96 different beers and ciders on tap at 32 Degrees Draft Bar, you’ll even find M’s own cider. Why 32? Well, we designed this bar to allow the keg storage to be directly below the taps. Why, you might ask? Less time from keg to tap means much colder beer for you.

winebottlesblogYou’ll find more than 160 wines by the glass in Hostile Grape, offered up by one of the largest Enomatic wine dispensing installations in the world. Several of these wines (6 different labels in fact) come from grapes produced at the Marnell family vineyard located in California. We not only serve it in our bars and restaurants, but also gave 250,000 bottles of it away to our iMagine Rewards members last year.

 
 

Social Dining at M Resort

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

TerzettoTableblogKnown for their innovation in the gaming industry, and particularly with regard to food and beverage, the Marnell family understands that dining isn’t just about the food. Don’t get us wrong, the food is important and the food at the M Resort is nothing short of outstanding. But dining is about more than what you eat – it’s about the entire experience. Dining out is an experience that surely must be the most popular form of entertainment outside the home that people partake in. And if you’re not entertained when you’re dining, you should find a new restaurant.

At M Resort, the concept of social dining is intimately incorporated throughout. Those terraces overlooking the pool boast a unique south to north view of the Strip and invite people to see and be seen. The terraces tempt conversation and interaction. Private dining spaces and perfect portions of unexpected delights come together to create an unmatched experience for guests. The music is right – the lighting is too. The materials that surround you were chosen with utmost care, just like the ingredients in every dish, cocktail and dessert.

RedCupBoothblogSocial dining is a concept meant to offer you the diner, (and in turn the guest we’re meant to entertain), options when it comes to enjoying our restaurants – and we’re not talking just the variety of menu items you’ll find. Are you a table kind of person, someone who likes to be out in the middle of things and don’t mind being seen? Maybe you prefer a nice closed-in booth, allowing you an intimate setting but the ability to see and watch those dining around you. Maybe it isn’t other diners you want to see but people passing by outside the restaurant or lounging out by the pool. Dining at M is something akin attending the opera or a concert – you can be in the front row, sit way in the back, or maybe prefer a box seat overlooking the crowd.

HostileGrape1blogDon’t forget that when you choose to spend your hard-earned money dining out, that in addition to an excellent meal, the entire experience should be pleasing. From the elegant Veloce perched atop the hotel tower to the spectacular Hostile Grape sunk cozily below the spa level and everything in between, we think you’ll find a dining encounter that will certainly please you… gastronomically and socially.

 
 

Be “As Single As You Wanna Be” Saturdays at Hostile Grape

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Many of you attended, and many more of you may have seen or heard about our “As Single As I Wanna Be” party for this past Valentine’s Day at M Resort. It was held down in our wine bar, Hostile Grape, which has one of the coolest, sexiest atmospheres of any venue in Las Vegas. We decided to give ladies who showed up in their sexiest red stilettos a free bottle of wine and wow did that party turn into a hit! With a $20 cover getting you two specialty cocktails or a $20 wine card (and in the door too by the way) the party offered a really good time and great value for the money.

We received a ton of comments about how there weren’t any good singles nights and events here in Las Vegas and could we, maybe, possibly, pretty please have more of these parties at Hostile Grape? Well the “pretty pleases” have been answered.

We’re making the “As Single As I Wanna Be” parties a regular Saturday experience at Hostile Grape and we’re giving you a new theme every week so you can do something a little fun and different and get yourself a free bottle of wine.*

We’re starting this Saturday (March 13) and the theme is “Little Black Dress.” So ladies, if you wear yours we’ll give you a free bottle of wine*! JC of MIX 94.1 FM will be hosting and you’ll find details below for the next four Saturday parties. Don’t worry, we’ve already got more planned out after that. Don’t miss March 20 where we’re giving firefighters and EMTs a little love!

Every Saturday* – the party starts at 8 p.m.

$20 cover includes:

  • Two Complimentary Specialty Cocktails or $20 Wine Card
  • Chocolate Tasting from our Spectacular Fountain
  • Live DJ Entertainment Spinning Hot Dance Club Hits
  • Hosted by JC of MIX 94.1

SCHEDULED EVENTS:

MARCH 13LITTLE BLACK DRESS – Ladies wear your sexiest little black dress and receive a complimentary bottle of wine.*

MARCH 20SATURDAY GETS HOT – Firefighters and EMTs are invited to come rescue us inside Las Vegas’ hottest wine bar. Show your firefighter/EMT ID and receive a complimentary bottle of wine.*

MARCH 27COUGAR SAFARI – Ladies on the hunt, wear your sexiest animal print and receive a complimentary bottle of wine.*

APRIL 3BLAME IT ON THE BOA – Ladies, wanna tame our grape? Wear your favorite feather boa and receive a complimentary bottle of wine.* 

*While supplies last. Management reserves the right to alter or cancel this promotion at any time. Not valid on holidays or special events or in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

 
 

Why not come to the M Resort for your meeting?

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Aug19DrewVargasmallGuest Blogger: Drew Varga, Executive Director of Sales

What is my job as Executive Director of Sales for the M Resort? Part of it is to ask meeting planners around the country the above question – why not come to the M Resort for your meeting?

Through my discussions and travels to the numerous meeting tradeshows and conventions throughout the year I receive many answers from planners on why they don’t know, don’t want to, or can’t book their meeting at our resort (of course I also hear the – “I can’t wait to have my meeting at your resort!” from planners too, but that’s too easy to talk about).

When I’m out and about or talking to planners my job is to turn those don’t knows, don’t want tos, can’ts into solid bookings for the resort. So what do I tell planners about our resort? It depends on their specific needs and what business objectives they are looking to accomplish, but generally, I tell them, at the M Resort we take a different approach to meetings. We don’t have millions of square feet of meeting space – we weren’t designed to be a massive exposition hotel – but the space we do have is boutique in nature, accommodating the most discriminating of meeting planners. It’s boutique because we want you to feel at home.

ballroomsetupblogAt a little more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space and 390 rooms, M caters to small and mid-sized meetings, conferences and group events, offering enough space to handle your group comfortably, but something small enough that you can manage things easily and keep it intimate.

MBoardroom1smallA 2009 Smart Meetings Platinum Award Choice winner and a 2009 Forbes Four-Star Award winner, the M Resort staff truly caters to planners and attendees going above and beyond. Don’t want to go through the hassle of planning everything? We can help as little or as much as you need. If it’s turnkey you want, we’ll take care of it.

If you’ve been to or read about M, then you’ll know food and beverage is one of the things we pride ourselves on most. We recently had Season 6 of Bravo’s Top Chef take place at our resort! Food and beverage includes catering. Our catering department stands ready to tailor a menu toward your creative tastes or designs or – because we know food and beverage is just one thing on your checklist of things – we also have pre-arranged offerings designed to ease your mind – at least for a little awhile!

ExteriorPoolsideViewblogPlus, since all the venues at M are owned and operated by the property, it’s easy to book an entire restaurant or area all to yourself. Have you seen Villaggio Del Sole? If you’re looking for something spectacular, there’s nothing like poolside in Vegas at a fabulous resort. Love the look and feel of Marinelli’s? It’s yours. Think Hostile Grape couldn’t be more perfect for your private party? Done. Have something even bigger in mind? How about the entire resort to yourself? That’s right, if you’ve got the inclination, we’ll make M your group’s personal playground.

I hope I get the opportunity to speak to you about why you should book your meeting at the M Resort. Until then, thanks for reading!

Drew Varga

Executive Sales Director

 
 

Valentine’s Weekend at M – Wine and Dine, Flirt and Fun

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

We’re fairly certain that come January 2, the grocery stores and mall shops had already sprouted a plethora of Valentine’s Day goo-gaws. From aisles dedicated to teddy bears, heart-shaped chocolate boxes and the latest and greatest Twilight-branded expression hearts, to cleverly worded “Roses are red…” poem greeting cards and a million online links to “Romantic Gifts for Him or Her,” Valentine’s Day is most definitely upon us.

HG-Lounge-3-MResortHere at the M we’ve created specials for everyone – coupled or not. For the romantic twosomes, we have special Valentine’s Day menus in all our restaurants if you’re planning to celebrate with a dinner out. (Make reservations soon!) The food is divine and the views don’t get any more romantic. Check out our special Valentine’s Day menus here: here.

Now, for those unattached, we have a special party for you. It’s our As Single As I Wanna Be bash inside the Hostile Grape on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. Wear your sexiest red stilettos ladies and go home with a complimentary bottle of wine while supplies last.

Check out all the details below.

HG-Valentines-Artwork

For those of you that want to prepare something at home for your special someone, check out Las Vegas’ only live cooking show – Martini Time with Chef Tina Martini. This week’s show is “Valentines for the Foodie,” and if you’re looking to impress with your own culinary stroke of genius, get down to the show to learn, laugh and taste too. Plus, enjoy a Chocolate Raspberry Martini and get the recipe to try at home.

If you can’t make it to the show, we’ve got a special martini for you to make at home or for you to try at one of bars. Here’s our Valentine’s Day martini recipe for you:

White Chocolate Cherry Martini

Ingredients:

.25 oz Cherry Brandy
1 oz White Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
.25oz White Crème de Cacao
2 oz. Three Olives Chocolate Vodka

Preparation:

Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with edible red rose (or petals), small chocolate heart, caramel spiral and a sprinkle of red sugar.

And don’t you worry race fans and sports gamblers, we didn’t forget about Daytona so have no fear. There are plenty of screens around the resort should you need to sneak away and check out the leader board.

We hope you’ll join us at M Resort to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend, but regardless of your plans, your status and your situation, we hope it’s a great one and wish you the best of times with your loved ones.

 
 

Turkey Day Wine Picks

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

HostileGrape1blogWhen 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 from.

Here are four wine recommendations from Sommelier Agi Toth, DWS:

Jeio Prosecco, NV, Italy $35

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 $30

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 $30

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!