STRIP TIPS: Delights for palates and pocketbooks

This week's column offers a little bit of everything, just like the Strip: shopping, eating, art, entertainment and drinking.

Drink for less

Every Friday in June, Ri Ra Las Vegas, the Irish pub in The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, will give locals 40 percent off all drinks from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. This should pair up nicely with the 40 percent discount locals receive on the lunch and dinner menu, also on Fridays. You must present a valid Nevada ID to get the deal.

Dos and doughnuts

Today is National Doughnut Day. If you feel like it's your civic duty to honor doughnuts by eating one, visit PBR Rock Bar and Grill in Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort. The restaurant is offering a trio of homemade doughnuts for $3. Choose from cinnamon, chocolate or vanilla glaze. After today, the doughnuts go back to the regular price of $4.95.

Go swimmingly

Check out the latest Luli Fama designs at today's trunk show at Swim in Encore. If you buy a bathing suit today, you will receive a gift with purchase. Offer is good from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit lulifama.com.

Come for Carnevale

Carnevale starts at The Venetian and Palazzo today. The summer-long festival will begin with Mese di Arte, an art festival, for the month of June, followed by music and then wine and food. Glassblowers and chalk artists will hold demonstrations and display their artwork throughout both properties. A parade will be held every night at 8 followed by light shows. Children's activities will be available, as well. For a full listing of activities, fees and times, visit venetian.com/carnevale.

Question:

Dear Strip Deals Woman: I have six family members descending on me next weekend. I want to take them out to dinner on the Strip, but don't want to go broke doing it. Can you give me some suggestions on how to make a good impression and not spend more than $20 per person? Thank you. - Not A Rich Relative In Henderson

Well, Relative, this shouldn't be as tough as you think. Famous French chef Hubert Keller runs a little burger place called Burger Bar at Mandalay Place. While the burgers are gourmet and the chef is a master of haute cuisine, you're not going to pay gourmet prices. Aside from the $60 Rossini burger with foie gras and truffles, no burger costs more than $16. And that leaves you plenty of cash for a side of fries, which cost about $3. They have some more affordable options with a couple of $9 burgers and sandwiches. You can also choose from some burger/fries combinations for about $13. Burger Bar also offers turkey, chicken, vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a few salads. If your family isn't impressed by this place, you should disown them.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.