EVENTS

Sapana ko Saabiti at Gurukul, CK Lal debuts as a playwright (see review) in the capable hands of director Sunil Pokharel. Till 31 July (except on Mondays), Gurukul, Purano Baneswor

Life of Food in Nepal, a collection of unique portraits that portray the food culture in Nepal, organised by the World Food Programme. Till 25 July, Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal

Voyage: an endless journey, paintings that traverse the creative journey of artist Sagar Manandhar. Till July 28, Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal

Hami Art Group, exhibition of acrylic paintings made by the students of Lalit Kala Kendra. Till July 26, Nepal Art Council, Babar Mahal

Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, certified arts teachers from Holland and the UK are offering free workshops at KJC on dance, film, theatre, band and rap. For bookings contact 5013554 or email [email protected].

Lazimpat Gallery Caf�, screening of the movie A serious man, directed by the Coen Brothers. Friday 23 July, 6.30pm, Lazimpat, call 4428549 to make reservations

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

8th Annual Wine Festival, be there at Kilroy's for the biggest congregation of wine lovers in Kathmandu. Kilroy's, Thamel, 4250440

MUSIC

Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, KJC brings renowned German musician Rainer Pusch to town to share his knowledge, an opportunity not to miss. From Wednesday 21 July to 20 September, KJC, Jhamsikhel, 5013554, [email protected]

DINING

1905 Underground Bar, get into the latino mood with Latin American music, dance and food. Friday July 23, 7pm, 1905, Kantipath

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

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 unparalleled view of Boudha stupa. Every day from 9am to 9pm, Boudha, 2130681

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

Lazy Gringo, fail-safe Mexican restaurant. The lemonade with refills is what won us over, but the food is mighty fine. Bring your own booze though. Jawalakhel, Open daily 11am- 9pm except Mondays, 2110517

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

Lhakpa Chulo, a relative newcomer to Jhamel, but among the best for food � try the tender steaks and Thai-style salads. Jhamsikhel, open for lunch and dinner daily except Wednesdays

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� 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

Mike's Breakfast, huge breakfasts and a never-ending supply of coffee amidst a lush garden setting characterise this caf�, popular among tourists and locals alike. Naxal, 4424303

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 their special barbeque set for a mix of everything, Jawalakhel (near the zoo), 5538321

Hadock, big compound with ample parking space, their Western and Thakali dishes are done to perfection. Jhamel, 10am-10am, 5546431

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 an establishment 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