I took a picture of this ‘Look’ sign while crossing the street at Noe Valley, San Francisco. Different!

Part 3–Mom makes Tomato Achar…

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Part 2–Mom whips up minced chicken vegi.

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Bhaktapur is an awesome city and one of the best places to gift shop…I buy all my trinkets for friends here. It’s a historical Newar town not far from Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. I’m attracted to the culture and love to check out the palaces, artwork and the gorgeous temples left behind from centuries ago. Be sure to stop by during your visit to Kathamandu…so worth it!

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I’m loving Hulu! It’s a cool site that offers movies and TV series from several networks and studios. I don’t like working in total silence, so this is a perfect way to watch new shows and get some work done at the same time…

Diiver Top Ten:

Six Degrees
Kyle XY
InuYasha
Burn Notice
Rescue Me
Nana
Merlin
Angel
Heroes
Bones

North Beach is touristy but I still love the vibe of the neighborhood…

The Stinking Rose
The dishes don’t have enough garlic to satisfy my tummy, but still a tourist Mecca

Steps of Rome
This is the place to coffee for singletons (if you like cheesy European waiters)…

Stella Pastry
Taste the caffeinated tiramisu…

Golden Boy Pizza
Offers the greasiest pan pizza in town and the joint is open until the wee hours

Grant & Green
The dingiest bar…but I love the vibe of the place

Italian French Bakery
I hit this bakery for their blueberry muffins

Mara’s Italian Pastry
This place has the best spread of cannoli, tiramisu and coffee cake…

I found this treasure nestled behind the huge wall along Tridevi Marg in Thamel. For an entry fee of Nepali Rs. 80 per person, it’s the ideal place to chill…. and an equally cool place to impress a date…there were tons of couples everywhere! The cafe at the back serves all types of desserts…coconut cake was absolutely my favorite! Pair it with Cha (a local tea made with a mix of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, milk and water). Imagine relaxing in the garden cafe on a hot summer day with a cup of Cha…this place is my garden of dreams…what’s yours?

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I have a tendency to gravitate towards street food wherever I travel. I guess it all started when I was 13 and got off at a wrong train station in Chiba, Japan. I was lost and asked a street vendor for directions…he stopped what he was doing and offered me a takoyaki (octopus dumpling)…probably because I looked like I was about to cry. So, years later, while traveling to Kathmandu, Valley, I came upon these two vendors cooking these luscious fried treats.

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My friends, Steve & Samantha, prepared a mouth-watering three course meal for us. I told them my budget and asked them to surprise six of my friends—the night was filled with drinks, friends and delicious food.

Appetizer: tomato soup
Main Course: salmon and salad
Dessert: biscotti and ice cream

It was nice not to have to cook for a change and just chill! I could definitely get used to this lifestyle…S & S wore the chef’s uniform minus the traditional hat…cute!