Kitsch is still happening. Pink, plush and pillows have made way for glamour, glitz and glow. The colours seem sexier and darker than before and the volume seems louder. Soapies and beautiful people still feel right at home here. The food? Kinky is the word. What about an aphrodisiac platter of caviar and blinis? Or wontons with lamb and soy sauce? Or the ever-popular lobster surprise? Ask to sit in one of the intimate corners if you like your privacy. Otherwise get up-close and personal with your neighbours everywhere else in the restaurant.

UTRECHTSESTRAAT 42

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 625 92 51

A steady ritual for some, an exciting adventure for others; welcome to the ambivalent world of Chinese cuisine. In this respect, neon-lit, fast-moving and authentic Nam Kee is no different. If you get too adventurous you will find yourself eating some pretty scary stuff. If you stick to what sounds best, you are in for good times. Oysters with black bean sauce, fried prawns with spicy red peppers, fried chicken covered with sesame, beef with Chinese cabbage and some variation import noodles.

GELDERSEKADE 117

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 639 28 48

Le Garage remains the home of Amsterdam's self-acknowledged famous. Its 80's hip interior (red plush, black shades and mirror glamourama) perfectly suits this clientele. Cuisine, ambiance and service are well orchestrated to match each others characteristics: slightly eccentric and very pleasant. The food is good; using an imaginative combination of pure ingredients. The steak tartare is less imaginative but boy, it's a good one. The oriental-style oysters are also worth a slurp. We also suggest Le Garage for a nice (business) lunch. Reserve a seat and leave the rest up to the chef. He is worthy of your trust!

RUYSDAELSTRAAT 54-56

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 679 71 76

The interior of Segugio is simple: light wooden floors, white tablecloth, bright lights and, no candles. The focus is very much the food. One glimpse of the menu reveals an interesting list of Italian delicacies - at high prices! We had pappardelle with wild boar and a risotto with white truffle. Both were exceptionally delicious. There are many Italian restaurants in town and SpecialBite lists the most special ones. We would certainly like to include this one, for those upmarket Italian dining moments.

UTRECHTSESTRAAT 96

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 330 15 03

What's special about Prego? Nothing really, and that's probably why it's so special. We very much like Prego but sometimes ask ourselves why. With its clean white walls, wooden tables, round shape in the ceiling and floor, and the mezzanine, Prego looks nice, but not spectacular. With its Mediterranean cooking, Prego serves a nice dinner, but nothing spectacularly different from what is served in similar restaurants. Prego also treats you nicely, but does this qualify as spectacular? Thinking about it, we gather that being nice (but not spectacular) makes Prego special and explains why it is always fully booked; even on monotonous Mondays.

HERENSTRAAT 25

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 638 01 48

Nomads is back from Siberia as it seems they are improving. What's more, the place simply looks smashing and is especially great for evenings with a group (if you are not groupy, stay away). Walk in and be devoured by Arabian mystery: golden curtains, Arabian characters on dark marble walls, a mosaic dance floor (likely to attract some hot dancing!) and sensual music. The waiters are your personal exotic knights and a true pleasure to look at. The food is served when everyone is nestled on the cushions in their own dark corner. Everyone eats the same, usually Moroccan/Middle Eastern fare. Don't expect too much of the food, it's the overall scene which is the main draw here; have your hands washed in rose water and enjoy the belly dancer.

ROZENGRACHT 133-I

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 344 64 01

Kattengat 4, 1012SZ

+31 (0) 20 6246589

Amsterdam

On the Kloveniersburgwal is one of the few Thai fast food places in Amsterdam. We personally treasure Raan Phad Thai because it is small, smelly but oh so special. Charming chaos! Enjoy watching many hungry locals squeeze behind a few tiny tables as others wait to take out. The "kitchen brigade", four lovely chitchatting women, give this fast food place its unique 'touch'. Watch them cook, fret and giggle in the kitchen. The food is tasty (great chicken with cashew nuts) even when take-away.

KLOVENIERSBURGWAL 18

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 420 06 65

Walk into the lonely part of the Govert Flinckstraat and find yourself face-to-face with Restaurant a la Ferme. Don’t let the name fool you, this is not a country-style restaurant but a slightly formal place with a creative interior (check the walls and ceiling). The Mediterranean menu is great, the ingredients fresh and bio where possible. We had the artichoke flan with caviar and loved it. The service is friendly and if you are in the mood for buying, ask for their range of Plexiglas products (e.g. cheese platters and funky toilet seats). If you want some examples, go to the bathroom and sit yourself down on some roses. A great place! Closed Sunday and Monday. PIN and cash only.

GOVERT FLINCKSTRAAT 251

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 679 82 40

The boys of Concrete have yet again sprinkled their magic, this time over Ms. Supperclub’s newest project. The result: Envy, a restaurant in a long pitch black area with a spacious open kitchen including a wall of 26 fridges as the eye-catcher. Long black benches and tables along the left wall, nicely lit by little spot lights in the ceiling. On the other side, you will see high stools at high tables. The whole of trendy Amsterdam and their neighbours’ cousin have squeezed themselves through the door at the Prinsengracht, waiting to be admired. But hey, we come here for the food concept: little dishes, all of them a delicacy. A giant scallop wrapped in Serrano ham with truffle foam, green asparagus with goat’s cheese fondue, basil risotto with tomato compote or the Envy salad, a variation on the classic Caesar with preserved duck. Don’t forget to taste the amazing cheeses or meats. Striking: nice ánd professional service.

PRINSENGRACHT 381

AMSTERDAM

PHONE: (020) 344 64 07