All stories about "Adventures In Shilling"

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #033: Burger Burger, L'ybane, and DOH Victim Toloache

It's time for another edition of Adventures in Shilling, in which we fight shilling the best way we can, by shaming tasteless, unscrupulous shills into submission. Well, that's the plan, at least. Fight shills yourself by dropping offensive links to tips@eater.com

The shills have tapered off this week in time for the holiday weekend but not altogether. A few sneaks have managed to tout their restaurants on the usual review sites and even in our inbox. Let's check out the offenders:

This shill from the inbox gets bonus points for the subtle rhyming: "Saw an article on your site mentioning Burger Burger in the Financial District. I have to say I eat there at least twice a week and it is great. The burgers are cooked fresh, right in front of you and are juicy and delicious every time. The fries are second to none, crispy to the last one....how do they do it?! Its only a small take-out place but you get a big time meal!"
Shill Probability 74%

The following Yelp review/shill is for the one month old UES joint L'ybane, which has an early fan: "For the Upper East Side, you expect a place that had class, character and welcoming atmosphere. L'ybane has all three - a chic atmosphere, a chef with savvy and welcoming character, and food that does not pretend to be anything but Mediterranean. I found the dishes simple, tasty and presented elegantly; a diverse selection that should please the meat lover to the vegetarian. I welcome the fresh breeze of the Cote d'Azure as they have blown a bit of the real Riviera to the shores of the East River."
Shill Probability: 89%

Creeping Closer to 100& ahead.>>

Monday, June 23, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #033: THOR, Last Licks, Thunder Jackson's, Brooklyn Ice House

This week all of the big shills come from our own comments section and tipline. Because if you want to fight shills, you have to start on your home turf. We've got a special 100% shill probability today so read through for all the despicable and sad attempts:

What makes this shill more suspicious than it already seems to be is that we've heard a number of negative reports on The Brooklyn Ice House. But to each his own: "Awesome neighborhood bar. The food is super tasty; brisquet, pulled pork sandwiches and now burgers. it offers a small, but good beer selection and reasonable prices for both the food and drink. The owner Trevor is a very nice guy and the other bartenders seem to be cool people as well. Its just what the doctor ordered."
Shill Probability 47%
The following comment comes across as a shill mostly because it was posted almost three months after this original post went live. Oh, and also all the exclamation points. The Thunder Jackon's people just won't let up: "I don’t usually comment on sites like this BUT….are you all crazy?? The food is amazing! Do you realize that the chef is someone from a very upscale eastside restaurant? This is not your ordinary bar food. It is definitely not a Costco burger. Have the steak – it’s just as good as any fine steak house!!!! OK…. the "40's bag” thing is a bit corny- but the food is awesome!!"
Shill Probability: 72%

A 100% Shill, ahead.>>

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #032: Frogurt, Panca, Sheridan Square, and More!

It has been an incredibly shilly week, and we've got suspicious reviews from our comments, other blogs' comments, Citysearch, Savory Cities, and elsewhere. They think that because the foodie community has been partying so much at awards shows and at foodie events in Aspen they can sneak one by us. Not happening.

Midtown Lunch lets us in on some suspected shilling on a fro-yo post of theirs. The following two comments come from the same IP address: "I think that Printon 56 and Froguurt is amazing" and "I eat at Printon 56 everyday and love it. The brand is called FROGURT notfroyo. Try the coffee it is great."
Shill Probability: 46%
There are two scenarios with the following suspicious Sheridan Square reviews: either someone liked their meal so much they decided to post duplicate reviews on both Citysearch and Savory Cities, or this is a skilled shiller. Here's the review, found more or less verbatim on both sites: "found this place to be dining experience that far exceeded my expectations. The service was first rate and the staff paid attenton to all the little details that made for a great dining experience. The food was amazing, I highly recommend the foi grois ravioli for an appetizer, as well as the zucchini flower stuffed with crab meat. I had the veal, and my wife the Halibut, both were presented perfectly, and tasty as hell. The desserts were just so fresh and original that the place reminded me a little of Danube, but half the price."
Shill Probability: 57%

We get to 100% ahead!>>

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #031: THOR, Country, Highbar, Agave

The shills haven't been as ubiquitous this week, so perhaps the restaurant PR folk are taking a vacay during Shitshow Week. Sadly, there were still a few suspect comments left here, in the inbox, and on Citysearch, and we feel it's our duty to expose them.

Man, we hate to do this to you Geoffrey, but the commenters brought our attention to this possibly shilly comment: "I must totally disagree with many of the comments made by these people on Country. I have eaten there a few times and last week had lunch there. The service was fantastic. The food was exquistely prepared. The chef came out to the table to explain where he gets his food from. The wine list has been totally overhauled. Not only was our selection fantastic, but it also made for great reading until our meals came. Over all it was so nice I will definately be back, probably this week."
Shill Probability: 29%

The following Citysearch comment is a suspect shill because it's the commenter's first review ever and it's a bit on the rosy side: "I went to the High Bar outdoor patio on a Wednesday night after work for drinks. The ambiance was incredible. I can't imagine a better place on a sunny day. I fear that as more people get wind of High Bar, it will be impossible to get in the door and will be a much more high strung crowd. *Sigh*...It was a relatively young and mixed crowd, suits and hipsters alike. The drinks are expensive. The cocktails are around $16 and come in plastic high ball glasses.
Shill Probability: 45%

THOR and Agave, next.>>

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #029: Barrio, Tribeca Grill, Sweet Heart Coffee, & Crisp

Another week goes by and another group of shillers try to push their under-performing restaurants on the innocent food loving public. This time the offenders come from all across the city and leave their mark in the comments here and on Midtown Lunch, Chowhound, and even in the inbox. Let's see what we have today:

The first suspected but unconfirmed shill comes from a Chowhounder posting on Park Slope Mexican favorite, Barrio: "The chicken enchiladas are simply amazing. I've been on a quest to find good Mexican food here ever since I moved from San Diego five years ago. You can taste the Mexican oregano in the perfectly seasoned chicken. Am going back for the mole ASAP. Love the ambiance. Terracotta tile floors, good light, and the mural make it all feel like home."
Shill Probability: 42%
And we have the usual suspicious rave from the eater comments, this time about Tribeca Grill: "I don't know about all the nonsense raised by guest #38, but I can tell you that I dined recently at Tribeca Grill, and it was a great experience. Plus they have a very substantial wine list, and their website mentions that they were just entered into the Nations's Restaurant News Hall of Fame. The place was packed when I was there. If that's a reflection of a restaurant on the slide, more restaurants should follow their lead."
Shill Probability: 68%

We're up in the 94% territory ahead.>>

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #028: De Robertis, Islero, Bowery Wine Co.

This week, shilling has been kept down to a reasonable minimum and the Shilling Department hasn't had to deal with too many troublemakers. However, a few managed to sneak by, both in our comments and at the site of the serial offender, Citysearch. Here are some prime suspects from the last week:

We're not sure about the following comment touting DeRobertis over Veniero's following the great DOH shitshow last week. It seems innocuous at first, but something about it (including the misspelling of the name) is a tad sinister: "I grew up with DiRobertis and it still has the best pastry, hands down. Veniero can't compare. Their cannoli is always fresh and is true sicilian. I have never understood everyone loving Veniero EVER. I'm glad it's closed, maybe now it will straighten up. Go across the street guys and have DiRobertis teach you a thing or two!"
Shill Probability: 45%

There's been some new suspicious activity on the good ol' Islero post from months back, or as we like to call it here in the Shilling Department, the post that keeps on giving: "ISLERO ROCKS!! The new chef Luis Gonzalez has the place under his spell. The new items on the Menu like the (whole fish) blow Chef Floyed out of the water. no pun intended lol midtown needed this place. Keep up the good work guys n gals ola'" There are three more as good if not better than this one.
Shill Probability: 82%

We get into the 98% territory, next.>>

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #27: Volstead, Benoit, Elizabeth, Lelabar

This week we have shills from the comments, the inbox, and from another blog. Again, we'd like to commend you shillers on your feeble attempts at selling your beloved restaurants. Better luck next time.

There are a couple of suspect comments on Midtown Lunch's post about Volstead's free lunch on Tuesdays. This is tricky however because a) the restaurant is already commenting under its own name in the thread, and b) since the commenters are getting free lunch they are likely to be fans. Here's the shilliest of the bunch: "Just came back with a group of 7….excellent appetizers, very solid lobster roll, and a great experience for the whole group….we have always had a great time there after-work for happy hour but now this just adds another dimension!"
Shill Probability: 47%

Telling people to stay away is a little reverse psychology trick beloved by shillers everywhere, including this one for Ducasse's Benoit: "If you don't like Benoit then stay away because it is already hard enough to get a table at this great place. BTW, the staff was great on my visit. From the host to the waiter, all had welcoming smiles and provided gracious service...Plus it's next to MOMA so it makes for a great lunch place after the museum."
Shill Probability: 55%

"Surprised Lelabar hasn't hit the Eater radar", ahead.>>

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #26: Wafels & Dinges, Wildwood, Cafe Society

In this special edition of Adventures in Shilling, we are only calling out shills we found in the Eater comments. You sneaky devils. Did you think we wouldn't find you? Thanks for playing and do come back for another round next week:

We're calling out the following comment on the WaffleGate post as a somewhat low probability shill, only because things get murky once waffles are involved. Some people are just nutters over Wafels & Dinges: "These are the best waffles ever and identical to the ones they sell at street vendors in Belgium! I'm sorry but you cannot replicate those with a waffle iron. Plus honestly I don't mind paying for quality..and for those waffles every penny is SO worth it! I can't wait to go to Brooklyn and get some more asap..."
Shill Probability: 42%
Wildwood has received a number of raves from all the usual bloggers and online reviewers, but we think the following comment skews a tad shilly: "... it was the best bbq I have had in NYC. I was a huge fan of Hill Country, but honestly Wildwood blew me away. I read that the pitmaster at Wildwood used to be at Hill Country and he really stepped up his game here. The ribs, pulled pork sandwich and brisket were all amazing. The cornbread was even the right texture, not too moist and not too dry. I am not a big dessert person, but I had to try the smores and they topped off an already fulfilling meal. This is a great addition to the NYC restaurant scene. I say try and get there asap before it becomes so popular that reservations are impossible to get!"
Shill Probability: 65%

Food is "out of this world" at Cafe Society

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #25: Arlo & Esme, Cho Cho San, Maremma, and Benoit

This week the shills come from a variety of places including an unusual one, Grub Street's regulated comment section. Good to see these people are getting around, hitting up not only Yelp and Citysearch, but also the restaurant blogs. We respect the moxie, but we have no choice but to call you out:

The following quote from the Eater comments regarding the new coffee shop/bar Arlo & Esme could just be from someone who loves them some free wifi. Or, more likely, it could be a shameless shill: "I just came here tonight to get some work done with friends and I just say it's an awesome joint. The pictures here don't even do this establishment any justice. It's a Tuesday night, so the basement lounge is kinda quiet but I can totally see myself partying here this weekend. Since they have wifi, it's a great place to get work done too. This is going to be my new hang-out."
Shill Probability: 38%
A reader sends in one of the rare shills we've seen in Grub Street's comments. Nygal05 writes about Cho Cho San: "I was here last week and it was delicious. I ordered lots of special rolls, and loved every one--especially the decadent Wall Street roll! Definitely a fantastic addition to the neighborhood." And the tipster calls her out thusly: "First of all, NYGAL05?!? Fuck that. That is the most generic, had to be thought of by a stupid PR girl name I've ever seen. Second of all, no non-pr humans use the word decadent when talking about sushi, and don't get me started on the 'addition to the neighborhood' comment." We're with the reader.
Shill Probability 67%

Maremma and Benoit, ahead.>>

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #24: Olana, Border Burrito, 'wichcraft, Totally Baked

This week, most of the shills are coming from the comments section of this very website. We respect the gumption but unfortunately we have to expose you guys. Ahead attempts from some unlikely sources and repeat offenders:

A reader tipped us off to some shilling on the Olana Menupages page. We're not so sure. Let's take a look: "I just ate at Olana last night and was stunned at how put together this brand new restaurant is, from service to decor to food, for only being open 3-4 weeks now. I found the Managers or owners, waitstaff incredible accomodating and knowledgable. The decor, unlike what I read in another review on this page, makes complete sense. It is beautiful, warm, visually stunning and gave us a good sense of hudson region landscapes, chairs were very comfortable, with the lighting soft and luxurious...started out with a great sparkling rose from Italy to complement our beet mach salad and mint taconi pasta (had lamb in it). Wow, incredible flavor and so much in balance!"
Shill Probability: 42%

This comment came in response to an earlier Eater post about the Curious Case of Border Burrito: "I lived on Rocket Wrapps as an undergrad at NYU so when I read this blurb I had to go check it out and see if the burritos were not as good as before. Well for starters, the food is light years better and the new look is alot more inviting with big ass comfortable booths, good tunes and the same killer smoothies as always. Cool myspace page, live music will definitely be a winner, just checked out the performers, Emily Zuzik, John Kessel and Rorie Kelly are awesome. Guess the writer has a grudge, oh well, go check it out for yourselves."
Shill Probability: 57%

'wichcraft and Totally Baked, one click away.>>

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #23: Agave, Totally Baked, Ciaobella, Mambo Express

Oh boy. We have some good shills today. As usual, this week's shills come from the usual places—the comments, the inbox, the Citysearch— and we have a new shilling venue for some bonus fun: Trip Advisor. The shills get progressively worse as we go on, but let's start with the a small time offender at Citysearch:

Agave is an interesting case. It could just be that a lot of first time reviewers are in love with it. Or it could be a Citysearch page filled to the brim with shills. You decide: "I am from Madrid but i lived in nyc for 12 years and i eat out almost six days a week . I have been to Agave now for the third time and i have to say that i always had a great time. I am so in love with the margaritas!!!!!!!!!!!...The prices are good and the portions are very generous, you definatelly get out of there full!!! I can't wait to try the outdoor seating because this restaurant has a great location and it must be a lot of fun to hang out there in a beautiful summer night sipping on one of the delicious frozen margaritas...Very personable staff, something that every restaurant should have!!! I will be back and spread the word."
Shill Probability: 38%

It's somewhat strange that Totally Baked would resort to shilling in the Eater comments section since they've already got a fair amount of press. But they didn't get as far as they did by sitting on their asses now did they? A PR rep speaks out for the place and identifies her shill as such, but this one is left anonymously: "This place rocks!!!! Best Experience I have had at a lunch spot in years. The staf, food & atmosohere is fantastic. Just wish there was one located in the UES. This place is worth the trip!"
Shill Probability: 62%

Ciaobella and Mambo Express, up next.>>

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #22: Thunder Jackson's, Artichoke, Public House

This week it's the attack of the commenters. Though we still found some shills from the usual offenders (looking at you Citysearch, Yelp), the commenters on both this site and others have really have an eventful week pushing their restaurants. Let's start with the most controversial but small time offender, Thunder Jacksons:

Perhaps it's because a couple commenters called out some of their brethren for shilling on yesterday's Thunder Jackson's post. Or maybe we're just surprised so many people have eaten at the place that's barely a couple weeks old and has zero online presence. Either way chances are the following three comments are shills: 1) "The food is fucking goooood! The burger may only be meat and bread, but if it were anything more, it would be ruined...And the BBQ jalepeno wings are pretty addictive as well. 2) I dunno. The music might not be great - but the BBQ jalapeno wings are soooo good and the staff is really friendly. 3) The steaks here are beyond anything I've ever gotten at a 'sports bar'..." Shill Probability: 47%

Artichoke and Public House, ahead.>>

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #21: AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar, Park Avenue Bistro, Serge Restaurant

There are just a few shills this week, but oh boy what shills they are. From shill master Citysearch and its accomplice Menupages, we have some restaurants whose pages are just riddled with fake user names, planted reviews, and even some positive shill vs. negative shill nastiness. The first offender, a wine bar:

The reviews for AYZA Wine & Chocolate Bar, and there are 180 of them, seem suspect because most of the reviewers have only written on this one place, and they are almost all enamored with it. This one from yesterday: "This is my new favorite wine bar. I had no clue that they had a private party room in the building. It was the perfect cozy little spot. Low key and mellow with a touch of love in the air, what more can a girl ask for? Servers are super nice, very accommodating, I feel well taken care of when they are around."
Shill Probability: 63%

A tipster emailed about some suspicious activity on a Chowhound thread regarding Park Avenue Bistro. It has since been removed by administrators, but it led us to this Menupages post, parts of which appear word-for word twice on the page: "With the same crew in the kitchen for the past seven years, the restaurant counts on an amazing level of consistency, and those comfort foods are cooked to a very high order...An onion soup was pronounced by one diner as the best in the city...As someone who liked - and I mean really liked - the old place, I was a little unsure about the new digs: a long, sleek room with a comfortable bar upfront and a romantic-looking balcony at the back on the walls, there's an ever-changing exhibit of young artists. Fortunately, the service is as friendly and efficient as ever..."
Shill Probability 76%

Shill v. Shill for Serge Restaurant, ahead.>>

Friday, March 21, 2008

> Celeb Chef Shilling —

Celeb chef Marco Pierre White, who has often criticized his peers for putting their names on products they aren't really involved with, is now endorsing a line of $2 soups. And he's not mincing words about who is really behind the recipes: "'I'm not pretending I'm the creator of these soups. Anyone believing that is a fool,' he says. 'I cook Michelin-starred food - that's my talent. The man sweating behind the soup vats in a factory somewhere is Simon Gamble: he's the real genius...I just approved them. I sat down and tasted them with my family. If they're good enough for me, they're good enough for the nation." [Telegraph]

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #20: Brio 89, San Domenico, Merkato 55

merkato%2055%202008%2002.jpg
Kalina, 2/06/08

This week we only found shill for three restaurants, the UES Italian wine bar Brio 89, Merkato 55, and the venerable newly relocating San Domenico. It's going to be tough coming to terms with some of these shills, but the truth isn't always pretty. Let's get to it:

You hate to see bad shills happen to good people, but that appears to be what's happening on a comment thread following a post on Central Park institution San Domenico. Commenters 5, 6, and 8 are particularly egregious: "I guarantee you that Tony and Marisa Carmela are doing something bigger and better and are choosing a better location to showcase a new masterpiece in Italian cuisine...Tony May and his daughter, Marisa will continue to be the most gracious hosts in NYC! I am overjoyed!!!...I can't wait to see what Tony and Marisa are going to do next. I have been eating at San Domenico for 18 years am excited to see what is ahead and will miss my favorite dishes while they are under construction."
Shill Probability: 43%

Merkato 55 and Brio 89 up next.>>

Monday, March 10, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #019: Rhong Tiam, Eletarria, Mad Dog & Beans

The shills this week come from all the usual suspects: comments, Menupages, Yelp, and Chowhound. Some are innocuous and could even be mistaken for heartfelt accounts of decent meals. Others are obvious shills and are called out as such. But let's start with the low level offenders:

This possible shill for Elettaria from the comments is a tricky one. Yes the description is breathless, but anyone who reads Chowhound reviews on a regular basis wouldn't find this out of place: "Not sure what all the bickering is about but I think folks should travel far and wide to come to this little gem. I heard about it through the grapevine and checked it out for myself. The food was amazing. So creative. I had never had tilefish before but it was perfect. The beets and cinnamon were a great compliment to this dish. I have to hand it to these two guys. Despite the difficulty in opening new restaurants in this city, the end result seems like it went off without a hitch. It's stunning to look at and so comfortable to dine in. The wine was superb and the staff was extremely courteous and helpful with hard to identify items that ended up being amazing in whatever dish they were paired with." Shill Probability: 32%

We get into to 90% range, ahead.>>

Monday, March 3, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #018: Rayuela, Pinisi, Klee Brasserie

This week we had some more interactive shills, where the Eater commenters and suspected shillers duked it out over suspiciously positive comments on places like Klee Brasserie and Rayuela. And of course we have the usual inbox and Chowhound shill to mix things up. We'll begin with the most innocuous shill for the little known cupcakes at Pinisi Cafe:

We've noticed some suspicious activity in the past week regarding the cupcakes at Pinisi Cafe. The following is from the inbox, but there's a strikingly similar review on Chowhound and then again on Yelp: "Just wanted to share my new discovery: ghost chili cupcakes at pinisi cafe (on 4th street just west of 1st ave). these chocolate cupcakes are spicy (very, very spicy) and juicy. the spice can be overwhelming for those who aren't used to spicy foods but my taste buds, normally accustomed to Korean food, were happy campers after this unusual combination of taste. The frosting is just as good-fluffy without overpowering the cupcakes. hope you'll share this with your readers. i am visiting this tiny but friendly cafe regularly now to try their other treats." Shill Probability: 79%

Rayuela, Klee Brasserie and some suspect olive oil, next.>>

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #016: Shills from Remedy, Bar Tano, Spitzer's

This week we have a smorgasbord of shills from across the web and across the city. We start off with this one straight from the comments, which is a giveaway not because of the wording (though it's pretty suspicious) but the fact that the subject here is the Remedy Diner:

"Reading some of the posted comments is very surprising, I have been eating at the remedy very often since the grand opening. The food is really good and my children definately agree, the staff is very attentive and I never have problems with waiting for a seat or food. My 3 year old son really enjoys it and he looks forward to the special fruit platter and home made cookies....I would honestly have to say some of these comments probably come from the local restaurants that are losing customers due to remedy's comfortable atmosphere and quality food service, which the lower east side desperately needed."

Shill Probability: 40%

Here we have an email in the Eater inbox from resident who just really really likes what's going on a Bar Tano:

"On Tuesday night, Gowanus welcomed the addition of Bar Tano to the neighborhood. They had a bar only opening from 6-11 and had people spilling out onto the street. Last night was their full opening. Bar Tano is from the same people who brought Park Slope Bar Toto and is located on the corner of 9th Street and 3rd Avenue. Don't know how well they'll do trying to draw people down the hill, but it is a nice looking spot. It has been populated by late 20s, early 30s so far.

Shill Probability: 67%

To Get to the Serious Offenders click away. >>

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #016: Masso

It's time for another edition of Adventures in Shilling, in which we fight shilling the best way we can, by shaming tasteless, unscrupulous shills into submission. Well, that's the plan, at least. Fight shills yourself by dropping offensive links to tips@eater.com.

Usually we find most of the disguised shills both in the inbox and on user review sites from under the radar places that aren't getting attention from the big time reviewers or the foodies. Though you hate to pick on the little guy, these shills must be exposed.

In that vein, we start out this edition of Adventures in Shilling with some suspicious write ups about a Long Island City bar and restaurant Masso, first from Citysearch:

"My friends and I met up there last week for drinks. We had no intention of eating there since we had reservations in Manhattan for dinner. We were so comfortable we lost track of time, missed our reservation and wound up eating and drinking at Masso for about 4 hours. The entire evening was delightful and our guest from out of town was beside herself at what a nice place it was and couldn't wait to come back..."
Shill probability: 47%

As they usually do, the shills get pretty shameless on the other side of this click. >>

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #015: Expierance The Place

In the word of shills, there are shills, and then there are shills, and then there are shills. In the latter category, for your consideration, we hereby present the review work recently done by someone perhaps associated with West Village restaurant The Place, which, according to its website, has been "voted among the top restaurants in New York by this year's Zagat." As you read The Place's Citysearch reviews, see if you can pick out a telling detail that caught our eye:

First Date—01/16/2008 Posted by shannonbentonmdf2—I was recommend to take my first date here almost two years ago and yesterday I proposed to her at the same table. After a few moments my fiancee commented on how this "Place" has been a special part of our relationship. The food is always good...everyone knows that, but the expierance is what is memorable and unique. A must try!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
Shill Probability: 100%

We're just getting started here. >>

Friday, January 11, 2008

Adventures in Shilling #014: 'Hope to See It On Eater'

There are plenty of restaurants that get their fair share of publicity around these parts. And there are those that don't. Sometimes, we hear about these neglected places via email from alert readers like you. Other times, we hear about them from, well, shills. Let's sort the wheat from the chaff, with these emails received since January 1:

"I walked by this cool space during my lunch break on 7th Ave bet 26th and 27th. I found out its going to be a Pita Grill, but they obviously stepped up their concept. They were not serving food yet (they said hopefully tomorrow) but let me in to look around. It seems like it has a Middle Eastern, rock n’ roll vibe with glass tile columns and tattoo/graphic murals on the wall. I took some pics (right)- it reminded me more of a trendy lounge than a sandwich shop. Probably will do well with the local FIT crowd."
Shill Probability: 2%

"this new south west themed place just opened up on 31 st and ditmars under the train. the area is starting to see a new flux of places to eat. with bistro 33 and others you guys should check them out."
Shill Probability: 8%

"Da Antonio, great food in a crappy setting is moving to a great space in a not so great neighborhood. It will be called Padre Figlio and hopefully the food will still be great. It's on 44th b/w 1st and 2nd and will unofficially open Saturday the 26th with a birthday party for one of the investors. I did see the space and it's very nice. Not sure if people will travel that far for dinner but should do a nice lunch."
Shill Probability: 41%

"New Korean restaurant on W. Broadway in Tribeca called J. Marc Tribeca. Sophisticated, but rustic interior. Solid menu, gracious service, good price point. Dishes have a more Westernized flavor, but still very good..."
Shill Probability: 49%

After the jump, we cross the dreaded 50% shilling threshold. >>

NYC Links

Open

[more] [map]

Reviewed

[more] [map]

Closed

[more] [map]

About Eater
From the newest temples of haute cuisine to the oldest dive bars in New York, from Batali to McNally, Eater has you covered. More about Eater...

Tipping Is Customary
Know about a restaurant opening or closing in your neighborhood, or other NYC restaurant gossip? Do let us know.

Restaurant Search

Archives & Feeds

Full-Content Feed

Contact Us
Email Eater

See more and submit to Eater Photo Pool

EATER
Editor
Amanda Kludt

Eater Radar Editor
Kelly Dobkin

Photography
Will Femia
Noah Kalina
Daniel Krieger

Interns
Noah Adler
Caitlin Dube

Banner Design
Khoi Uong

Editors-in-Chief
Ben Leventhal
Lockhart Steele