It's time now for another edition of the world famous 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.
As noted last time around, in this day and age of shilling research laboratories and shill specialists, sometimes the key to exposing an offending restaurant is not in examining one of its user reviews, but in finding a portfolio of reviews that are suspicious. Here's a freebie tip to restaurateurs: five 5-star reviews is the wrong approach. Let's have a look at the case of Jodie's Friends, a small Korean restaurant that's recently opened on West 8th Street and is trying to have its way with Citysearch. We'll start with the oldest review and work our way to the present:
best korean food: It was first experience. I never have these kind of dishes at new york with very good service. taste is excellent, and presentaion is fantastic. I found korean food is healthy, and taste is come from the nature. Dolsot bibimbop,kalbi,steak,sea urchin seawwwd soup.Flower pancake,oi sun, especilaly in case of dessert (king of fruit /doorian),there was explovise and smooth at the mouth. Finally I found food is creation of arts. Strongly recommend ,everybody agree with me after try. They opened 1 month ago,maybe later need reservation. Good luck. Jodie friends.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
Shill Probability: 48%
Best Korean Fusion Food anywhere! Try King Of Fruit Mousse Cake!: Jodie's Friends is the most fantastic Korean Fusion resaturant in the world. I had to try almost all foods listed in their menu. Tastes are awesome, presentations are beautiful and artistic, and the service is great and friendly. They serve many vergeterian cusines as well. I liked cucomber appetizer especially and ginseng salad. Thanks Jodie!Jodie's friends, indeed.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
Shill Probability: 58%Wow Wow Wow! I couldn't stop saying "WOW" everytime I tasted each different dish. They so fresh and tasty. Korean food lovers must try this. You will find differences between Korean foods you have experienced and real fusion style Korean foods in Jodie's Friends.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
Shill Probability: 68%Divine Nouvelle Korean Cuisine!!! Foods are perfect combination of the authentic Korean flavor and western presentation, serving the great selection of wines. The ambience is very cozy and the servers' hospitality will make you feel like you're invited to Jodie's private party. You should try! It's a real McCoy~~~~~
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
Shill Probability: 78%Phenimenal experience Where do I have to begin? The food was amazing. The decor, ambience was great and the service is prompt and friendly. When you walk in, you will see the owner's kind smile and feel like I visit my friend's home. Then you are seated in the dining room facing to wide open kitchen. The room is clean, very modern, and with the feeling of cozy due to the log walls. Our waiter was extremely efficient with no wasted movements. The food was delectable. Especially I was crazy for one of their dessert. I believe the name was durian cake. We had thoroughly enjoyed our meal and our were bellies were fully satisfied. Would definitely go back again.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended
Shill Probability 88%Aggregate Shill Probability: 98%
· Jodie's Friends User Reviews [Citysearch]
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