Harrah's Happenin's in January
Archie Manning's New Restaurant, Intergalactic Nemesis Highlight Month

Harrah's New Orleans Casino and Hotel start off the New Year by announcing that former Saints quarterback Archie Manning will be opening a new restaurant on Fulton Street in January, and the Intergalactic Nemesis "Live Action Graphic Novel" will be coming to Harrah's Theater on Saturday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m.

And the action is always popping in the Masquerade Lounge on weekends, with Jazz Happy Hours on Thursdays, Top 40 Fridays and live deejays on weekend nights. You can also enjoy the football action on large-screen TVs on Sunday afternoons as the sizzling hot New Orleans Saints and their record-setting quarterback, Drew Brees, take on their NFL rivals in the playoffs.

Here's what's happening at Harrah's in January.

Manning's Restaurant to Open

On Thursday, January 19, former New Orleans Saints Quarterback Archie Manning will be cutting the ribbon and opening the doors to Manning's Restaurant on the Fulton Street Mall.

Touted as "the place to eat, drink and cheer," the 210-seat restaurant will include private dining rooms, an indoor and outdoor bar, a courtyard to be used for outdoor dining and entertainment, and a retail shop with items branded with the Manning's insignia.

Manning's will be designed with rotating memorabilia from New Orleans' favorite sports family, including personal family photos, football jerseys and helmets, along with commissioned artwork by local artist Terrance Osborne. There will also be a sports anchor desk, more than 30 flat screen televisions showing the top sporting events and concrete walkways marked with yard lines.

From sports enthusiasts to foodies, Manning's will offer something for everyone. With the help of New Orleans-born Chef Anthony Spizale, Manning will pay homage to his roots with a menu that boasts New Orleans-style food with a Southern flair from his home state of Mississippi. The inspired menu will be complemented with dining space to match. Built to depict the rustic feel of old New Orleans, the restaurant will be casual yet refined.

For the ultimate sports fan, the End Zone is the best seat in the house. Available by reservation only, the dining area is comprised of 17 leather reclining chairs set up in stadium style and complete with a fully functioning sports anchor desk. Strategically located in front of a 13 x 7 1/2-foot flat screen TV, this area will allow for live pre-, post- and game day coverage featuring local and national sports personalities.

Archie's Room will be used for intimate gatherings of up to 12 people. Much like the restaurant, this room will display memorabilia from the Manning family that is unique to the restaurant and family.

The Courtyard at Manning's will be used for outdoor dining and entertainment, as well as hosting private groups. The patio will offer 4,000 square feet of space with views of Fulton Street promenade, perfect for conventions and private parties.

The Stadium Club, located on the second floor of Manning's, will boast more than 3,000 square feet of private dining space, including its own fully operational kitchen and wrap around balcony with overlooking views of New Orleans' Warehouse District.

Manning's will be available for special events including weddings, receptions, meetings and conventions. For more information about booking a private event at Manning's, call Harrah's sales line at (504) 533-6522.

Intergalactic Nemesis

Intergalactic Nemesis Live Action Graphic Novel will be coming to Harrah's Theater on January 28 for one show, starting at 8:00 p.m.

What began as an old-time radio play performed in an Austin, Texas coffeehouse quickly outgrew its venues as its appeal caught on with sci-fi audiences. The old-time radio play concept expanded to include comic book art for visual appeal and a cult-like following developed.

Created by Jason Neulander, the story revolves around a time-tested science fiction formula: alien invaders from another planet. It is set in the year 1933. Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.

The show involves over 1,250 sci-fi comic book images, projected on a large screen accompanied by a soundtrack. "Appropriate for the kid in everyone," the show's producers promise.

For tickets and information go to Harrah's website, www.harrahsneworleans.com. For more information about the show itself go to www.theintergalacticnemesis.com.

Live Jazz and Top 40 in the Masquerade Lounge

Things get jazzy every Thursday from 6–9 p.m. at the live Jazz/R&B Happy Hours in Harrah's Masquerade. This free and open to the public event features some of the best local jazz New Orleans has to offer.

Then, kick-off the weekend with "Top 40 Fridays" from 9–11 p.m., also at Masquerade. This free and open to the public event features some of the best Top 40 cover bands New Orleans has to offer.

The lineups of performers for Live Jazz Happy Hour and Top 40 Fridays will be announced as soon as they are available. For more information go to the Harrah's website at www.harrahsneworleans.com.

On Sundays in Masquerade, DJ Captain Charles pumps up the party with the best of old and new school jams at his Sunday Night Dance Party with DJ Captain Charles. Dance the night away with drink specials and no cover from 7–11 p.m.

Live deejays also liven up the action on Friday nights from 11:00 on, after the Top 40 bands wrap it up. They are joined by the Masquerade Dancers from 11:00 to 2:00 a.m. and, on Saturday nights from 11-2, the deejays and dancers team up again.

Celebrate the Saints at Masquerade

On playoff days you can get into the action with the New Orleans Saints games on large-screen TVs, accompanied by live deejays. It's "Game On With Coors Light" as representatives from Coors Brewing Company give away promotional items, along with home game and tailgate party tickets to Masquerade guests during the Saints' games. Come on out and cheer the hometown boys on to victory!

Or maybe even to another Super Bowl on February 5!!

More information about Harrah's New Orleans can be found at www.harrahsneworleans.com.