DINING

Italian Fiesta at Rox, Italian chef Alessandro will be cooking an Italian feast every evening featuring authentic cuisine from Italy's different regions for a limited time only. Until 1 May, dinner only, Rox restaurant, Hyatt, 4491234

OR2K, One of the few vegetarian restaurants in the Valley, their Middle Eastern platter is delicious and their cocktails robust. Mandala Street, Thamel, 4422097

Organic Caf� 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

Caf� de Newa, won't be surprised if there is a Newari mama in the kitchen churning out chhoila, sukuti, kachila and bara at this restaurant 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

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.

Casa de Cass, out-of-Kathmandu dining in cosy surrounds with attentive service, what more could you ask for? A martini, of course. Hariharbhawan, 5010100

Roadhouse Caf�, serves pizzas cooked to perfection in wood-fired ovens. Health-conscious diners have an alternative in the caesar salad, garnished with the freshest of ingredients. Bring a magazine to pass the time as you ait.�Jhamel, 5521755
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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

Momotarou, nestled inconspicuously amongst the street shops of Thamel, this restaurant serves Japanese food that is top value for money.��Extravagant taste yet humble in presentation.�Thamel, Bhagawatisthan (near Bhagawati Temple), 4417670

Hankook Sarang, serves up the incredible tastes of Korea, including superlative steamed rice to anchor meals fit for kings.�Thamel, near Roadhouse Caf�

GATEWAYS

Yoga and Wellness Camp, For Zen and peace of mind, and an hour and a half long ayurvedic massage, head for the edge of Shivapuri National Park. Whether you are a novice or long-time practitioner, it is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and practice Yoga, while feeling benign pity for the Valley residents choking on the dust. Friday 23 April-Sunday 25 April, Shivapuri Heights Cottage, 9841371927 for prices and reservation

Fishing Expeditions and Day Trips, Tiger Mountain offers a chance to catch the Golden Mahseer, one of Asia's most famous game fish, in Bardiya National Park, while exploring the beauty of the Himalayan foothills. Perfect for this time of the year. Contact 4361500 for prices and reservation

EVENTS

Bahini: The life of my sisters A photo essay about the education of under-privileged girls in Nepal by two Singaporean photographers, Debby Ng and Edwin Koo. You might have seen Koo's photographs in Nepali Times and Himal Southasia before. Opens Saturday 17 April, National Art Council, Babar Mahal

Roles of the Indian Film Heroine, film festival that looks at the changing ethos of Indian film heroines from Satyajit Ray's Devi to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Michelle in Black. Also features talks from cinema-watchers, including actress-turned-director-turned-activist Nandita Das. Runs until 18 April at Nepal Tourism Board, Exhibition Road, call 4412715 for tickets

Saturday's Farmer's Market, weekly market starting in Kantipath this weekend, promises to be different from all other farmers' markets in town with lasagne, pies and Mediterranean treats along with organic fruits and vegetables. Every Saturday, 9am to noon, 1905 Restaurant, Kantipath

Chaitya & Silent Flow, works of Kailash Shrestha and Sushma Shakya created during their one-year residency sponsored by the Australian Himalayan Foundation. Runs until 21 April, Siddhartha Art Gallery, 4218048

Khariko Ghero (The Caucasian Chalk Circle), a Berlolt Brecht play adapted into Nepali about a peasant girl and her adopted son. Directed by Max Webster and Mia Theil Have at Rimal Theatre, Gurukul runs, until 1 May, 5.30pm, except Mondays, 4466956

Movie screening: Antaheen (The endless wait), collage of life of upper middle-class Bengalis in Kolkata, shown through a series of intertwined vignettes, starring Rahul Bose and Arpana Sen. Saturday 17 April, GAA Hall, Thamel