Paris 1900: Of all Parisian music halls one stood out. Moulin Rouge-literally "Red Windmill", a holdover from the time of Louis XIV in Montmartre-was where the otherwise jaded French crowd stood six-deep around the stage to see the Can-Can. The dance was an elaborate production with lithe performers who wore outrageous costumes, often exposing more than was concealed. Translated, the daring Can-Can means tittle-tattle, and it became an instant sensation. It turned Moulin Rouge into a legend that has been immortalised in theatrical shows, Hollywood movies and today is something of an icon.

Kathmandu 2002: The Moulin Rouge is still alive and magnificently vibrant. That special Parisian magic will be recreated at the Hotel Yak & Yeti on New Year's Eve for the first time in Nepal. Don't be fooled into assuming this will be a gentle retreat into sepia tinted nostalgia-not with true French Can-Can dancers and a program to tantalise even the most blas?, world-weary reveler.

The new twist to the old theme is the introduction of contemporary music like "Big Spender", a medley of 1950s jazz and even a little Latin flavour with "Ay Caramba". In the great hands-on tradition of the Can-Can, the audience can participate on "Man Wanted" as the talented Josephine coaxes even the most inept dancer to try a few steps of Avant Can-Can.

The grandeur would be incomplete without a menu to match the opulent ambience. Leave it to Executive Chef Victor Holla to create a different symphony of flavours and tastes to complement the festivities in an extended international gourmet buffet. Rest assured there will be no mundane matter-paneer or mashed potatoes, unless reborn in a more glamorous avatar.

After wallowing in the decadent past till midnight, patrons are welcome to join Sinners in Heaven, the best dance party in town featuring hip DJs and today's fresh young things.

The Yak, as regulars know it, always delivers and if there is to be a Moulin Rouge in our neck of the woods, no one will do it better. So ladies and gentlemen, bring out the formals and brush up the French-Moulin Rouge is coming to town!