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New York 'dine-and-dash diva' held on bail after string of unpaid meals
A 35-year-old woman accused of repeatedly dining at high-end New York City restaurants and leaving without paying has been arrested and is being held on $4,500 bail at Rikers Island, authorities confirmed Tuesday. Pei Chung, dubbed the "dine-and-dash diva" by local media, faces multiple misdemeanor theft-of-services charges after at least seven incidents since late October.
Pattern of alleged fraud
Chung, who presents herself as a food influencer with 26,000 Instagram followers, reportedly arrives at upscale eateries dressed in designer clothing and equipped with professional camera gear. Staff at multiple establishments claim she either refuses to pay, offers bizarre alternatives-such as a pair of scissors from her handbag-or proposes social media exposure as compensation.
At Peter Luger Steak House, employees told NBC News she lingered for hours after declining to settle her bill, later posting a positive review of the meal online. Other restaurateurs allege she walked out without payment or insisted on trading photos for food.
Restaurant responses
Some venues have taken direct action. Hole In The Wall, one of the affected restaurants, confiscated Chung's meal after she attempted to pay with promised social media coverage. "She's giving us more exposure than any influencer we've actually worked with," founder Tom Rowse told the New York Times, noting she still posted a favorable review despite the confrontation.
Broader debate
The case has reignited discussions about influencer culture in fine dining, with industry figures questioning how to balance publicity with financial risks. Chung's court appearance is scheduled for later this week; she has not publicly responded to the allegations.
"Even after we took her food away, she posted about it, saying it was nice."
Tom Rowse, founder of Hole In The Wall, via New York Times
