EVENTS

Exit the King, an absurdist play by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Eelum Dixit and presented by Nepal Shakes. From Saturday 30 July to 8 August, Kamalmani Theatre, Patan Dhoka, Tickets start from Rs 400, student and group discounts available, call 5522113 or email [email protected]

Gurukul, CK Lal debuts as playwright for 'Sapana ko Sabiti', directed by Sunil Pokharel. Till 31 July, Gurukul, Purano Baneswor

Varsha: women art exhibition 2067, a celebration of women in the arts. Till 7 August, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Naxal

Lazimpat Gallery Caf�, screening of the movie It's Complicated, starring Meryl Streep. Friday 30 July, 6.30pm, Lazimpat, call 4428549 House of Music, screening

of Taqwacore, the birth of Punk Islam. Saturday 31 July, from 4 to 6.30pm, House of Music, Thamel

8th Annual Wine Festival, be there at Kilroy's for the best place for great value wine in Kathmandu (see review). Kilroy's, Thamel, 4250440

Weekly Farmers' Market, a market like no other with organic and gourmet food, healthy breakfasts, fresh coffee and lots of socialising. Saturday 10 July, 9am to 12pm, 1905, 4215068

MUSIC

Paleti, veteran singer Phatteman to grace the Paleti stage with his mesmerising vocals. Friday 30 July, contact 4412469, www.nepalaya.com

Chevrolet Concert Series V, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory brings you the Blues combo, Teen combo, fusion instrumentals from guest band Aatma, and surprise act Euro Trash, all for free! Saturday 31 July, Jhamsikhel, 5013554, www.milesmusicfestival.com

DINING

Splash Bar & Grill, great weekend BBQ dinner, Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm to 9pm, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat, Rs 1200, 4411818

Olive Garden, mediterranean food fest. Everyday, 6pm onwards, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat, 4411818
New Orleans, offers a wide variety of western dishes that are scrumptious yet healthy. We got hooked on the rosemary chicken and hamburgers. Jhamel, 5522708.

Ghangri Caf�, a quiet place with comfortable sofas and a lovely courtyard, perfect for those sunny afternoons. Although famous for their open sui mai, they offer a few other great dishes as well. Pulchowk (near the Suzuki showroom), 11am-10pm except Tuesdays.

Saturday @ Hyatt, take a refreshing dip in the pool, soak away your weekday sorrows and sample the delicious barbeque in the open air. Every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm, Hyatt Regency, Boudha, 4491234

Boudha Stupa Restaurant and Caf�, enjoy wood-fired pizza and free wi-fi with an unparalleld view of Boudha stupa. Every day from 9am to 9pm, Boudha, 2130681

The Factory, a trendy restobar for a refreshing stopover in the chaos that is Thamel. Great food and drinks, with zesty music. Don't miss out on their cheesecake, it's a must. Mandala Street, Thamel

Comfort Zone, expansive restobar that needs to be full to come into its own. A decent range of cocktails and barbequed meats should keep you glued to the massive screen at one end. Comfort Zone (rooftop of Bank of Kathmandu), Thamel

Vesper Caf�, has a quaint outdoor patio good for leisurely weekend brunches. Serves good salads and steak wraps. Jhamel, open daily

Attic, newly transformed lounge/bar ideal for Friday night drinking before hitting the dance spots. Popular among local celebrities and passing politicos. Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat, 984161476

Everest Steak House, an old-school joint for everything steak. A sanctuary for meat. Thamel, near Chhetrapati chowk, 4260471

Summit Hotel, posh Western-style dining area with candlelight and a romantic night view of the city. Get really busy with the succulent ribs basket, and add the finishing touch with a hot Dutch apple pie. Jhamsikhel, 5521810

Jazoo, a quiet place ideal for beer and relaxing conversations. Bring a friend and enjoy special barbeque set for a mix of everything, Jawalakhel (near the zoo), 5538321

Lhasa Bar, enjoy a beer or a splash of cocktail at this springboard for excellent young musicians starting out on the Thamel circuit. Thamel, 985101043

Buddha Bar has been around since the days of the hippies and offers a warm and cozy space for intimate conversations over a large selection of drinks. Happy hour 4-7pm, Thamel, 9851053235

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. Pulchowk, opposite Namaste Supermarket