EVENTS

Traffic Smart, a traffic education program run by experts with lessons on safe driving and license preparation. From Sunday 15 August to 17 August, GAA, Thamel, 4414785

Kathmandu Valley Down the Ages: depicting life in ancient and medieval Kathmandu, a painting exhibition by veteran artist Hari Prasad Sharma. Till 21 August, Art Council Gallery, Babar Mahal, 9841269959

Root Periscope, a group art exhibition by celebrated artists along with a lecture by art critic Mukesh Malla. Till 24 August, Sattva Art Gallery, Kupondole, 9841241790

Propagation, a collaborative painting exhibition showcasing the works of Korean and Nepali artists. Till Wednesday 18 August, 11am to 6pm, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited, 4218048

Lazimpat Gallery Cafe, screening of Before Sunset. Friday 13 August, starts 6.30pm, Lazimpat Gallery Cafe, Lazimpat

14th Nepal Education Book Fair, a must attend for all book lovers. From Friday 6 August to 14 August, 11am to 6pm, Bhrikuti Exhibition Hall, Tickets: Rs 20, Rs 10 for students

Weekly Farmers' Market, a market like no other with organic and gourmet food, healthy breakfasts, fresh coffee and lots of socialising. Saturday 7 August, 9am to 12pm, 1905, 4215068

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

MUSIC

Sunday Jazz Brunch, enjoy a relaxing Sunday in The Terrace at Hyatt Regency with barbeque and live jazz music by Inner Groove. Every Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm, Hyatt Regency, Boudha, 4491234/4489362

House of Music, Robin and the New Revolution performing live. Friday 13 August, from 7.30pm, House of Music, Entry: Rs 200, 9849243807

Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, KJC brings renowned German musician Rainer Pusch to town to share his knowledge. From Wednesday 21 July to 20 September, KJC, Jhamsikhel, 5013554, [email protected]

DINING

Dhokaima Cafe has a new menu, try the Blackened Norwegian Salmon and Grilled Shrimp Ajillo, Patan Dhoka, 5522113

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

Saturday @ Hyatt, take a refreshing dip in the pool and sample the delicious barbeque in open air. Every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm at the poolside, Hyatt Regency, Boudha, 4491234

Olive Garden, mediterranean food fest. Everyday, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, till 31 August, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat, Price: Rs 1200 plus taxes for veg. and Rs 1500 plus taxes for non veg. call 4411818

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

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

Forever Caf�, nestled inconspicuously along the Thamel streets, one might easily miss out on their hidden treasures. Specialising in a variety of steaks and stroganoffs, the caf� offers carnivorous affairs you'll not forget. 7am-10pm, 470078

Himalayan Java, one of our favourite places for coffee, just got bigger, with a new branch deeper in the heart of Thamel. Expect the same excellent service and quality food and drinks with a change of scenery. Food Bazaar, Thamel.

Koto Restaurant, the first Japanese restaurant in Kathmandu, serves up 25 years of history. Whether it's the fresh sashimi, sushi, sukiyaki or tempura, their experienced Japanese and Nepali chefs are sure to impress. Darbar Marg, 11.30am-3pm and 6-9.30pm, 4220346

Caf� de Newa, won't be surprised if there is a Newari mama in the kitchen churning out chhoila, sukuti, kachila and bara in this restaurant right amidst the bright lights of Thamel. Try Newari delicacies like deep-fried buffalo tongue, brain and intestines. You will be blown away. Next to Kathmandu Guest House, open everyday

Aalishan, a newcomer to the Jhamel scene, serves a mix of both Indian and Chinese cuisines. The posh interior can be a bit intimidating, but don't let that put you off the food. Jawalakhel (near the roundabout)