The Very Best

All

 

I have to admit I can be a right fusspot about certain things and totally oblivious to other stuff. I find it hard to have a favourite restaurant that gets everything perfect, even though I might base a decision on eating out based on a yen for the best bread basket. It which case it can come down to minutiae like does it come with butter or oil? I might not be as bowled over by everything else on the menu, but get that bit right and I’m happy. I’ve been known to trek across Leeds for the most perfect sausage roll, let’s just say it’s not from Greggs. Recently I’ve come across somebody who has found their perfect sausage roll in Sheffield. A taste off beckons…

In 2013 we’re on the hunt for the individual things that you are 100% convinced are of the highest quality. With a plan to turn them into useful monthly guides and a bit of an over the top award ceremony!

So if ever you were to say ‘Hey Emma where can you get the very best …’ I’d feel confident, based on my extensive trials that the following that I could share what I considered to be the very best

  • Samosas in Leeds
  • Hot chocolate in Leeds
  • Falafel in Leeds
  • Shop for cards in Leeds
  • Paneer Tikka in Leeds and Bradford
  • Americano in Leeds
  • Hangout with wifi, plug sockets and comfy seats in Leeds
  • Place for a relaxing wee in peace

A brief survey on Twitter returned the following geeky hot topics

I think you’ve got the idea. But I do love to make sure that my views are well rounded and put to the test. This is where you come in!

Every month we’d like to provide a guide based on your fussy pot suggestions. This is how we think it might work

  • You tell us if you’d like to suggest a The Very Best subject in the comments box below.  Tell us what it is, why you rate it and where it can be found.
  • We may then ask you to be the leader of a mission a particular month
  • We create a shortlisted poll on the blog and between us we’ll and ask as many people to vote during that month based on your criteria
  • A small group of you may convene in real life, at your instigation to narrow the shortlist down to a top 3
  • You’ll create a guide based on the top 3 with pictures and comments
  • We’ll create something that we can present to the winner so they can glow with pride.
  • We’ll tart the guide up on put it the website

Now this can be as lighthearted or as serious as you choose.  You can pick the town or city, but remember if it’s really specific such as the very best Risotto in a One Italian Restaurant town, it won’t have much mileage!

As we’re just scoping this now, let us know what you think in the comments below. Anything we’ve not considered?

28 comments

      1. How about you do one in Leeds & one in Sheffield. We create a guide for each place during the same month? You two can compare notes on the criteria you will employ for voting.

        1. Yep, you can sign me up for this too! I’m interested to learn more about the pasta scene in Leeds!

  4. Hoping I’ve got this right…

    The very best fish curry is at Rajas on Roundhay Road. I try to sample the fish curry whenever I go to a curry house. Having toured the country, that’s quite a few I’ve clocked up. Rajas is most definitely the best. Also a great restaurant.

    The very best latte I have ever had is in a small cafe in far Headingley – I think its called Stefs or something, will need to ckevk see above

    The very best fish and chips I’ve ever had is at Brian’s Fish and Chip shop. Happily have a taste off with anyone on this score.

    The best crab and chilli spaghetti is at Seven.

    Oh, I can think of many many more. But here’s a controversial one… The best Macdonalds I’ve ever been to is in Oakwood. Not for the food, that is its usual shite self although my beautiful man and son #1 disagree. No, the reason why, if you have to go its so fab is the children’s play area inside is sublime.

    Can I play in your gang now or do you need more??

    1. Yes we’ll snap you up for Fish Curry and for May please! Although love the idea of comparing McDonalds!

  5. The question I most get asked by people visiting Leeds is where they can get a decent breakfast. Especially after a night on the tiles – all you really want is an epic Yorkshire breakfast feast and a proper brew. None of your fancy pants Benedict, I’m talking sausage, bacon, eggs, beans, grilled tomato, black pudding (if you like that kind of thing) and even a cheeky slice of fried bread. We owe it to residents and visitors to our fair city 🙂
    I could do January, to kick things off…

  6. I’ll go for the best Sunday dinner in central Sheffield. I have my favourite and my criteria is loosely based on price, quality & sourcing of the meat, variety of veg on the plate and the yorkshire pudding.

  7. We could probably do something around curry restaurants in Bradford – would really need to narrow the category somehow (best basic/cheap? Best smart Indian?) how to define?! – tbh, the market changes so often it could never be definitive …

  8. Another idea – best public art installation – ie not in an art-specific location/sculpture park etc

    1. This was a daft idea – I couldn’t begin to lead it, I’d just be interested to know more of what’s out there … 🙂

  9. I would love to lead on homemade pork pies! I do know where you can get some amazing ones (I already have a personal top 3!) but I would love to investigate further… I could look around Leeds and North Yorkshire.

  10. Hi there,

    I’d be totally into doing an issue on ‘Bangers and Mash’.
    Everyone should have a comforting sausage ‘port in a storm’ and I demand sausages of quality for mine.
    I’m also picky when it comes to decent mash and particular about accompaniments. (I detest peas with a passion!)
    There are lots of hidden gems in Leeds city centre where I’d like to test out this dish and spread the love for you guys.

    Bring on the Bangers………

  11. Nan Bread Chicken Kebab in Leeds!

    I am not one for comparing to Manchester, as I am a Manc by trade, but since crossing the Pennines I have never found one to match the ones you get over there.

    Many a trip to visit friends in Manchester is an excuse to get the ultimate Chicken Kebab!

    It has to be on nan bread, freshly cooked chicken, with salad, yoghurt, optional heats of chilli sauce, lemon juice available, salt available,a pickled chilli and functionally wrapped, as a minimum!

    I am already on my own mission….how do I progress this!?!

    Ben

    1. Yes you get it exactly!

      We’re working out which month people should lead, do you have a preference?

  13. Ok I’ll stick to what I know and offer to lead on best vintage/retro shop in Leeds – if that’s one Culture Vulture would be interested in?

  15. Best espresso experience in Leeds. We’re spoilt for choice with quality coffee shops here, but which one offers the best whole package? The sitting & sipping ambience is just as important, for me. Suggest a summer month – one with a decent chance of some sunshine – would be most appropriate!

  16. It does seem like it is all food – how about best hair cut/ massage/ chiropractor/ dance class/ yoga class/ pilates class/ swimming baths/ park/ ambience for a night out/ entertainment/ bookshop.

  17. Interesting choice of picture to illustrate “best”! I wouldn’t disagree – on the right day. Right as in (a) Alex is in, some of the waiting staff can be a bit slack when he’s not and (b) I’m in the mood for that style of coffee.
    A simple best-of competition generates plenty of controversy and clicks, and the proud winner will probably advertise CV by flaunting the win. But the results are out-of-date almost immediately and they’re subjective. Plus there’ll be a temptation for anyone using the winner on an off day to assume the rest of CV is equally unreliable.
    So, a guide to the top three would be fine. But don’t rank them. And if the judges think only two are really good, or there’s nothing to choose between the top four, then let them put that number in the guide.

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