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
Here's another fine selection of shills, compliments of your very own Eater commentators, Citysearchers, and NYMag readers. Today we go from low to high probabilities as we de-shill some new, not so new, and not even built spots.
Not that it's impossible for one to be a fan of the Eldridge's Mat Levine, but we're just not buying this:
"Great timing to revamp the look at Thor -its been downhill for the past few months. Hopefully he can use his prior experience to create something worth checking out. Things seem to go well when this guy is involved."
Shill Probability: 43%
A tipster finds a a shill in NYMag's piece on bowling alleys:
"It's a damn shame that Harlem Lanes didn't make the cut. They are right around the corner from my apartment, 5 minutes from the A, B, C, D, 2, 3 trains, cheap and the perfect fun but usually chill bowling vibe. Downstairs is more family friendly and there are sports bars/lounges upstairs with $13 pitchers and the bestest fried shrimp in the city. http://www.yelp.com/biz/harlem-lanes-new-york"
Shill Probability: 67%
If this isn't a shill, god help us, because that means people like this are out there roaming the streets. That said, could someone really make this stuff up?:
"The best meal I've had in a long time. Sushi Samba 7 has always been a favorite hot spot of mine - but I honestly think last night was THE BEST dinner I've had out so far this year. From the first second to the last - I was thrilled...each of my friends was greeted by two handsome managers at the door. My out of town guests were already impressed - kept teasing me that I was such a big deal!...Our server was a girl named Kelli, and she was just totally on par with the best servers I've had in NYC. The sushi was so fresh and the specials of the day were unlike anything I'd ever tried...The dinner was so fantastic that every club NYC had to offer paled in comparison. Incredible experience. I'm a little bit of a food snob - so when I rave like this, I hope all citysearch readers take note!"
Shill Probability: 72%
A new entry for veteran shiller, Toloache:
"Love this place! It's cozy & fun and not TOO loud and right in the Theater District. The Margarita menu will get you right into the spirit with an interesting selection you'll want to try. Same goes for the custom made guacamole, a must. But for a non-meat eating person like me, there were plenty of choices and everything tasted clean and fresh- not drenched in sauce and beans. The Lobster Tacos were amazing. A great place for a small meal or an evening. Two thumbs up from me."
Shill Probability: 82%
And finally, a commenter loses her cool over Union Square's Vintage Irving:
"The Thrillest posted a list on Vintage Irving and it sounded awesome so I checked it out. I urge you to do the same! The atmosphere is upscale and classy with a wine selection that will blow your mind. The food is served tapa style and allows you to try so many different dishes (get the Duck Prosciutto). And if your into absinthe, this is yourplace 20 wines for $20? Really? This is amazing! They have an amazing wine list so I will be checking this one out for sure on 4/27/09."· Previous Edition of Adventures in Shilling [~E~]
Shill Probability: 89%
