Serial Dine-and-Dasher Pei Chung Strikes Again: A Restaurant Owner's Warning
A woman named Pei Chung has been making headlines for dining at New York City restaurants without paying. She recently visited Chinaloa, a Latin-Asian fusion restaurant in Williamsburg, where the owner recognized her based on her designer clothes and accessories. Despite her attempts to order food, the owner refused to serve her and asked her to leave, leading to her departure and the owner warning other restaurants about her behavior.
Chung has a history of dining and dashing, having been arrested multiple times in the past month for failing to pay at various trendy restaurants. She is known for ordering multiple courses, taking photos of the food, and posting them on her Instagram. Despite being banned from several establishments, she continues her fraudulent behavior, including trying to barter items from her bags in exchange for payment.
During a visit to Peter Luger steakhouse, Chung ordered a substantial meal but claimed she could not pay when presented with the bill. She was escorted out by the police and attempted to return the next day, only to be recognized and turned away. Despite her reputation, some restaurant owners, like Mimmo Cappiello of Baccia & Abracci, still chose to serve her, providing her with a free meal before she left without paying.
Chung's actions have raised concerns among restaurant owners, who fear she will continue her scam. Despite facing legal consequences, including supervised release and upcoming court dates, Chung's behavior persists. Restaurant owners like Cappiello remain wary but are willing to provide her with a meal if she returns, hoping to avoid a situation where they are taken advantage of.