October 24, 2005 | 10:30am
When I travel, I want to immerse myself in the local culture, and what I love most about dining at Saskia's Huiskamer (Saskia's Livingroom) is that I'm guaranteed to meet hip and in-the-know Amsterdammers. Saskia dishes tasty four course dinners to 24 guests seated at one communal table, and the shoulder to shoulder intimacy invariably results in friendly and fascinating chats. On my first visit I found myself wedged luckily between a handsome 30-something neurologist dressed in designer duds, and a sexy multilingual architecture historian. I left with five email addresses, four promises to keep in touch, countless city tips, and a measure of satisfaction knowing I'd found a place with serious insider appeal and heaps of cozy-cool charm.

Lately I've been dining at Prinsengracht 381, the canal-side, black and chrome accented hotspot from the creators of Amsterdam's pioneering SupperClub, but honestly, I like the old name-Envy-better. Those passing by in the street do seem a little envious-How couldn't they?-and I seem to be tempted by the full range of decadent guilty pleasures that ought to have me running for the confessional. From pride at scoring a coveted reservation, to gluttony, and lust-Where do they find so many gorgeous people?-I can count on this place to satisfy my need for stylish hedonism.

You know the recipe; bar-club-lounge. Every city worth its weight in Eames chairs has a few. At least. But what keeps me coming back to Rain, more than the head turning décor, is the substance behind the style. Whether I've popped in for a cocktail and light snack, or I've gone for a leisurely dinner and stuck around until the early morning listening to the deejay, Rain has never failed to deliver on its promise of innovative cuisine, perfect service, and a sophisticated-chic night out.

When I want my chilled-out all-in-one hotspot to come with an authentic Amsterdam high-and no, not the kind you can buy legally at local "coffeeshops"-I head to the 11th floor of the Post CS building. 11 features a minimal industrial look that competes for attention with the city's best harbor views, and a rooftop terrace that doubles as my sunny weather office. Thankfully after countless hours spent around the eye-catching yellow bar, 11 still feels new and spontaneous to me since huge video screens air up-to-the-minute new media projects and come late night, the space morphs into a hot dance spot, complete with those skyline vistas.

I'm an editor of a design mag, I try to dress the part, and I know a Philippe Starck when I see one, so last Friday I thought I'd put my style-mettle to the test at the entrance to Jimmy Woo, Amsterdam's hottest dance club. Sure, the door policy is the stuff of local legend, but the exclusivity only raises the cool factor into the stratosphere and I can't imagine a better place to dance the night away. The décor is part Blade Runner-chic and part opium den-stylish, the crowd consists of only the hottest locals, jet setters and celebrities, and my weekend nights are now booked well into the New Year.

Saskia's Huiskamer
Albert Cuypstraat 203c
(0)62 862 98 39
www.huiskamerrestaurant.com
Open Fri & Sat for dinner. Reservations are necessary

Prinsengracht 381
(0)20 344 6407
www.prinsengracht381.nl
Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am; Fri & Sat 5pm-3am; Kitchen until 11pm daily

Rain
Rembrandtplein 44
(0)20 626 70 78
www.rain-amsterdam.com
Open Sun-Thu 6pm-2am; Fri & Sat 6pm-4am

11
Oosterdokskade 3
(0)20 625 59 99
www.ilove11.nl
Open daily for lunch 11am-4pm; and for dinner 6pm-10pm
Dancing Thu-Sat until 4am

Jimmy Woo
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18
31 (0)20 626 31 50
www.jimmywoo.com
Open Wed & Thu 11pm-3am; Fri & Sat 11pm-4am; Sun 11pm-3am

To read about more food and nightlife destinations in Amsterdam, visit coolcapitals.com.