M's big New Year's fun comes in small package

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(Free-Press-Release.com) December 29, 2006 -- Perhaps you're one of those organized ones who's had New Year's Eve plans for weeks. But for the rest of us who like living closer to the moment, it's not too late to locate a cool spot for ringing in the New Year.

The South Loop's M Lounge -- a stylish and sleek club that celebrates its first anniversary Jan. 5 -- is hosting "New Year's Eve '07 Celebration," an intimate gathering with a capacity of just 70. That means partygoers won't be fighting one another to get to the well-stocked bar or to the catered Cajun and soul food-inspired unlimited buffet. Nope, this is a gathering for the grownups.

"It's elegant and cozy. That's always what I get from my customers: 'It feels like coming home,'" says MaryAnn Marsh, a residential real estate sales professional who along with husband Reginald owns M Lounge.

Generally, the club attracts an ethnically diverse, 35-plus crowd, and Marsh expects the same for its casually chic New Year's Eve event.

For $100, guests get access to M Lounge's premium-label open bar and cuisine catered from Lenore's Kitchen, featuring dishes such as grilled tilapia with mango relish, grilled shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes and Lenore's signature dessert tarts. The midnight countdown will be accompanied by sparkling wine. Each guest will get party favors to take home, and Marsh says five lucky guests will win bottles of Moet & Chandon Champagne and "some truffles and fun stuff to enjoy the next day."

And since "our regulars have asked us to liven up the music just a little bit, give them something they can sing along to," the lounge will feature jazz fusion sounds with pop tunes sprinkled throughout. (The club hosts live jazz from 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays.)

"Most of our regulars are locals, and we enjoy that," says Marsh, meaning those who live in the South and West Loop and the Gold Coast. "But we do get a surprising number of tourists and conventioneers from [the] McCormick convention center during the week." The Marshes have established a relationship with the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, which often sends guests their way.

Source: http://www.msn.com
Posted by Maureen Jenkins