Events

Ratna Park Exhibition, photographers Rohan Thapa and Lucas Pernin come together to present Ratnapark and its significance to Kathmandu and Kathmanduites alike. 2 to 8 July, 10am to 6pm, Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal, 4220735

Baki Prista, a play about villagers caught between crossfire during the civil war. Rs 100 and Rs 50 for students, 4 to 21 July, 5.30 pm onwards, Sarvanam Theatre, Kalikasthan

Futsal Carnival, enjoy a fun-filled fair as you cheer for your favourite futsal team, dance to the music of DJ Phuchhey and savour delicious snacks from the food stalls. 28 July, 11am to 7pm, Grassroots Recreational Centre, Mandikatar

Highway, a charity show of the highly acclaimed movie by Gari Khana Deu. 8 July, 6.30 pm, Kumari Hall, Kamal Pokhari, 9808886949, 4464616

Ah Wilderness!, a family comedy written by Nobel Prize winner Eugene O'Neill and directed by Deborah Merola. Rs 200 (for adults) and Rs 100 (for students), 14 to 15 July, 3pm, Vajra Hotel, Swayambhu

Demystifying Portraiture, a workshop by Spanish photographer Arantxa Cedillo for photography enthusiasts who want to meet people and tell their stories through portraits. 21 to 22 July and 28 to 29 July, 9am to 3pm, Jhamsikhel,

Music

Nepfest III, don't miss this open band competition where the winners get a chance to perform with Polish band Decapitated. Rs 100, 25 August, Bhrikutimandap, Fun Park, Kathmandu

Albatross Unplugged, catch the live performance of Albatross for a musical Friday evening. Rs 100, 6 July, 5.45 pm onwards, Backyard Foodjoint and Pub, Jhamsikhel

Live Music Night, Shabnam and Cannabiz band playing every Wednesday. Absolute Bar, Hotel Narayani Complex

Dining

Upstairs Cafe, a delicious range of Vietnamese cuisine to sample. Maharajgunj, near the US embassy
Ghangri Cafe, a quiet place with comfortable sofas and a lovely courtyard, perfect for those sunny afternoons. Pulchok

Irish Pub, for the simple reason that the place actually feels like a bar. Don't miss out on their Irish coffee. Lazimpat, Ananda Bhawan, 4416027

Cafe Hessed, for those with a sweet tooth, offers a delicious range of cupcakes and doughnuts. Jhamsikhel

Chopstix, savory Asian food cooked in true Chinese fashion sure to charm and impress. Begin your feast with the Dragon Chicken; it is one-of-a-kind. Kumaripati, 5551118

Tamarind, a multi-cuisine restaurant, offers a decent range of drinks and food. Jhamsikhel
Milk Coffee & Cocktail Cafe, coffee house during the day and a cozy lounge serving cocktails at night, try their yarchagumba and molecular cocktails along with the famous Starbucks. Woodland Complex, Durbar Marg

Le Bistro Restaurant & Bar, the outdoor dining area invokes a great atmosphere for a night of drinks with friends and family. While they serve a plethora of dishes, it is the Indian food they pride themselves on. Thamel, 4701170

Pumpernickel Bakery, get an early breakfast or brunch with interesting choices of bread and sandwiches. Experiment with their goat cheese or yak cheese sandwiches, or have a sip of coffee in the classy indoor dining area. Thamel, 7.30am-7pm, 4259185

New Orleans, offers a wide variety of western dishes that are scrumptious yet healthy. We got hooked on the rosemary chicken and hamburgers. Jhamsikhel, 5522708

Bronco Billy, a new restaurant in town offering Tex-Mex and Indian dishes. They make their own corn tortillas, which gets a big thumbs-up. But really, we can't wait to try their Margaritas. Pulchok, opposite Namaste Supermarket

Dechenling, the place to head for Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine, their pleasant and spacious garden is ideal for big gatherings. Thamel

Organic Café and Salad Bar, hearty breakfasts and healthy salads while you catch up with your reading or emails in the heart of Thamel. Chakshibari Road, Thamel, 4215726

Bhojan Griha, traditional Nepali restaurant that serves up great local food with folk music and dance. Dillibajar
Cosmopolitan Café, located in the heart of Basantapur, this cozy café offers arguably the best chicken sizzler in town. Frequented by famed guitarist Hari Maharjan, spot him there and you might get an impromptu performance with your meal. Basantapur (along Kathmandu Darbar Square), 4225246

Krishnarpan, a specialty Nepali restaurant at The Dwarika's Hotel, 6 to 22 courses, an authentic Nepali meal. The Dwarika's Hotel, Battisputali, 4479488

Cibo, a sandwich bar at heart, this cafe serves up one of the best sandwiches in town. Lazimpat and Pulchok

Casa Toscana, varieties of yummy pizzas to try and other Italian delights. Casa Toscana, Pulchok

Cinnamon Grill Lounge, offers delicious food and good music, added bonus- live performance by Ciney Gurung every Saturday. Jhamsikhel

Yin Yang Restaurant, east meets west as you choose from a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Add a little spice to your life with the pad thai or green curry. If you can't handle the heat, fall into the safety net of its western dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, 4701510

Hankook Sarang, from Bibimbab to Samgyeopsal, Hankook offers a wide range of Korean delicacies at affordable prices. Thamel (opposite Roadhouse Café)

Cha Cha Café, this Japanese restaurant is popular for its spaghetti and burger steaks. Thamel

Cafe Kaldi, this famous restaurant serves a great variety of coffee and offers free internet access. Thamel

Getaways

Lake View Resort, with a cultural show every evening and hospitable staff, Lake View promises a pleasant stay. Lakeside, Pokhara

Pokhara Grande, a swimming pool to escape from the tropic heat, a massage parlour and spa to loosen up and a gymnasium to release stress- Pokhara Grande is a great option to unwind this summer. Lakeside, Pokhara

Temple Tree Resort and Spa, a peaceful place to stay, complete with a swimming pool, massage parlour and sauna- it also hosts three different restaurants to cater to your needs. Gaurighat, Lakeside, 977-61-465819