I don't even answer questions asking about the "best" of anything.

Best gelato in Rome? The Yellow pages show that there are almost 600 gelaterie in Rome. How many should you have tried to be able to have an opinion on the "best"? People who have tried three or four feel competent to answer the question, though.

<i> Flower bulbs in The Netherlands? </i>

You wanted the opinion of culinary experts??

bvlenci - where can I find the BEST Big Mac in Rome?

So many misunderstandings; so little time.

You wanted the opinion of culinary experts??>

I never said that and included Fado in my original list- yes the Dutch were said to have had to resort to eating tulip bulbs during the NAZI occupation so I guess they are edible - great idea for a theme snack in FEBO's in Holland - deep-fried tulip bulbs!

Dulux non drip gloss again.

Questions about the "best" whatever always kind of irritate me too. Just seems very naive to me.

Pal, I quote:

"Thanks in advance for your culinary expertise!"

I didn't notice the fado, or, rather, I didn't get past the tulips.

Nürnberg sausages sold by the street vendors are the best.

I do love when you all talk about off the beaten tourist path. "The <BEST places only locals go" - How would we know? I'm certainly not telling>

Example, you need a car to see those off the beaten tourist traps. No one ever says what they are.

I am from the east coast of Florida and I have my favorite beach that is not a known tourist trap. It is called Playlinda and it is on the Cape Canaveral sea shore, a National Park. No food stands, only manned life guards at a couple of spots, a nude beach at lot 13, wild life galore, tranquil and beautiful. It is not Daytona or Cocoa Beach and for that reason some might find it boring. What is great for some is not for others. Same in Europe. I love Dublin, don't like Rome, love Paris, not a big fan of London. We each have different opinions.

I would rather buy from the markets fresh and cook in my Paris apartment. Others want a hotel with a five star dinner in a restaurant.

Best of???

Sometimes people say, "Everyone there was local, except for us."

Even if people are speaking the local language, that doesn't make them "locals". They could be tourists in from the countryside, who don't know anything more (maybe less) about the local restaurants than you do.

A French person visiting Times Square, and hearing mostly English spoken, might assume all those people are New Yorkers, and not folks from Nebraska and Kansas.

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

I approve of this thread.

<i>yes the Dutch were said to have had to resort to eating tulip bulbs during the NAZI occupation so I guess they are edible - great idea for a theme snack in FEBO's in Holland - deep-fried tulip bulbs!</i>

If you read up on tulips, you will learn that they were originally imported to Europe in the 16th century as a food crop, not as decoration.

I think that people should be obliged to modify their "BEST" questions along the lines of "Where can I find the BEST pizza for someone of my national culture and personal taste?" if they want to get a useful reply.

'There seems to be a few numpties who took this seriously.'

Oh yeah, always some are. On every thread.

So for those guys : I am NOT serious. Certainly not here.

I accept everybody's opinion except when racist etc (as in the rules of Fodors actually) so please accept non serious opinions without challenging them too.

"Thanks in advance for your culinary expertise!">

Oops- posted on a quick whim without thinking it all thru.

Where can I get the BEST olive oil in Sicily?

It's not enough for something to be the best.

It most often, simultaneously, be the cheapest, the fastest, the longest (or shortest) and the biggest (0r smallest)

What is the best, cheapest and fastest way to visit Stonehenge, at a time when it is not crowded with tourists?

Did you ever notice most pizza boxes, not from chains read,

"You've tried the rest, now try the best."

An oxymoronic universal statement.

Will no one tell me what spah bol is? Is Google my only friend?

Spag bol = short for spaghetti bolognaise

OK, I googled. Seems that spah bol was a typo. It sounded vaguely Cambodian to me, and I was beginning to want some.

The BEST beans on toast in England?