A food influencer known online as the 'dine-and-dash diva' has been arrested in Brooklyn, New York, after allegedly skipping out on bills at multiple high-end restaurants. Pei Chung, 34, is accused of ordering extensive meals and then refusing to pay, accumulating debts totalling hundreds of pounds.
Chung allegedly skipped out on bills at Williamsburg restaurants at least six times, including twice at Michelin-starred brasserie Francie. At one sitting in October, she reportedly ordered foie gras, carpaccio, bucatini, lamb and hot chocolate mousse before leaving without paying. She also visited Peter Luger steakhouse, where she ordered nearly £150 worth of food and offered a glowing review on Instagram, but then told staff she could not pay and offered items from her handbag, including kitchen scissors, in exchange.
On Friday, Chung went to Mole in Brooklyn, where the owner recognised her from previous visits. Police say she ordered £149 in food and then refused to pay. She was arrested and charged with theft of services, and jailed on Rikers Island on £3,500 cash bail for that charge and for failing to appear in court on previous warrants.
A manager at Peter Luger told the New York Post: 'I'm glad there's some sort of recognition being brought to the matter. She was getting away with it – way too often. And it's just not right.' The owner of Mole said: 'It's only in New York City where someone like this becomes a folk hero.'
Chung, who describes herself on Instagram as '99 lb No plastic surgery,' reportedly faces eviction from her £2,700-per-month Williamsburg apartment. Her arrest comes as restaurants increasingly rely on Instagram-able dishes and influencers to attract business.
