September 22 2006 | New Orleans

Last night I had the great fortune to be invited to the opening celebration of the new Harrah's Hotel and Fulton Street Celebration. Not only was it one of the best parties I have ever attended, it was so exciting to be among the first to see this beautiful new hotel and experience their charming new outdoor venue on Fulton Street.

The invite stated "Meticulously designed to complement the adjoining Warehouse District, and housing one of the finest collections of local art in the downtown area, Harrah's 450 room, 26-story luxury hotel pays tribute to the culture and history of the Crescent City." Well...it is all that and more! I heard they invested over 150 million dollars into this new project...and it is gorgeous!

I can't wait to go back and enjoy an evening at the newly expanded beer garden outside on Fulton Street at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant.

As a born and raised New Orleanian, I want to thank Harrah's for all that they have done and continue to do for New Orleans. As someone who enjoys casinos, I promise to do my part in giving them the majority...if not all...of my gaming budget. Having Harrah's Casino open in 1999 and now their expansion of a fabulous hotel and the Fulton Street experience, is truly one of the best things to ever happen to New Orleans!