If you want to experience what Amsterdam is really like, i.e. loose as a goose, plan for a night out at the ‘almost anything goes’ Supperclub in the heart of Amsterdam just off Dam Square. Talk about unconventional! That’s an understatement. This place rocks!
If you’re as hooked on ‘lounge music’ as I am – and we’re not talkin’ elevator music – I swear your body won’t be able to sit still at this place – except when you’re devouring what I consider some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life. Between the rhythmic beats from the resident DJs and the surprisingly excellent 5-course meal spread ever-so-cleverly over a few hours, interspersed with entertainment that only Amsterdam can serve up – hilarious to sensual – it can’t be beat.
Supperclub’s signature atmosphere features an all-white decor (an intentional backdrop for an explosion of, shall we say, ‘local color’) of oversized white mattresses completely surrounding the room, whereupon you recline or lounge in utter comfort. Meals are served in situ, on low tables that straddle your legs. If that doesn’t sound like a comfortable way to eat, there are also standard tables in the center of the room, BUT, even though I relegated myself to those on my first visit, I tried the reclining mode the next time I was in Amsterdam, and I was hooked. It’s so cozy, lounging with your ‘special other’ with your pillows propped up against the back wall – and amazingly comfortable. Dining in that position was, contrary to what I expected, no problem at all.
To be honest, this is by far one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. Everything about the Supperclub is top-rate – food, music, atmosphere and ever-changing and ever-zany entertainment. Prices for the entire evening (and into the wee hours of the morning) run 65 euros (approx. $95) for Sundays through Wednesdays, and 70 euros (approx. $103) for Thursdays through Saturdays (excluding drinks, of course). For such amazing cuisine (a constantly-changing menu of delectable surprises – including wonderful vegetarian offerings), I don’t think it’s outrageously expensive, considering all you get for an incomparable and complete night out, despite the lousy dollar (ouch). My advice is: if you’re going to spend your money on entertainment in this rip-roaring city, spend it here.
Be aware that you must reserve ahead by calling +31 (0)20-344-6400, indicating whether or not you want a mattress or a table. (…Go on, you’re in Amsterdam. It’s a lounge club, so lounge!) Doors open around 7:30 for an 8PM start. Get there early and have a drink in the bar area, where you must check out the ceiling.
If you want to do the Supperclub circuit, they have other locations in Rome, San Francisco and Istanbul, with Singapore in the works (June 2008 target date). I hope to hit them all one day. There’s also a Supperclub cruiseboat that traverses the Amsterdam IJ waterway, but I’ve done that as well (yes, I’m a Supperclub junkie) and, to be honest, I much prefer the original club in town. (The ‘cruise’ doesn’t really cruise very far, and I found that venue rather weak, although the food and music are of the same caliber.)
Check out their website for a taste of what you’re in for. www.supperclub.com. And when you go, don’t be put off by the secluded location down an alleyway off Dam Square (you wouldn’t find it unless someone told you it was there). Look for the very discreet brass plate on the door, at Jonge Roelensteeg 21, and ring the bell. Enter a night you won’t forget.
And last but not least, get hold of one of their popular CDs (13 at last count), available online or in select shops worldwide. They’re super!
