It seems the trouble at her upscale restaurant has become a pattern.
Pei Chong, the alleged Brooklyn “Dinner and Dash” repeat offender, is now behind bars at Rikers Island, swapping her sought-after gourmet meals for “pizza pockets” after a judge set her bail on recent food-related charges.
The 34-year-old aspiring influencer has faced multiple arrests in recent weeks for allegedly dodging restaurant bills, and she was held on $4,500 cash bail in the women’s section of Brooklyn’s notorious jail by Judge Chung Park following an arrest on Friday—marking at least her ninth run-in with the law.
According to law enforcement, the fashionista with a taste for Prada executed her latest scheme by refusing to pay for a $149 meal at the popular Mall Mexican Bar and Grill located at 178 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg around mid-afternoon.
Facing eviction from her $3,350-a-month apartment next month, Chong was charged on Saturday with theft of services.
After her latest arrest, the judge set her bail at $1,500 in cash or $3,000 bail on criminal charges, along with an extra $1,500 for each of two outstanding bench warrants due to her failure to attend required court hearings. Her total bail now stands at $4,500.
Chong presents herself on Instagram as a “99-pound” individual even without surgery, while official records list her at about 100 pounds and 5’4″. As of Monday afternoon, it appears she hadn’t posted bail yet.
Known for showcasing luxury fashion on social media, including Prada heels and Hermès belts, Chong keeps a so-so blog where she shares meal reviews and often posts about high-end food.
She’s been spotted bringing lighting and camera gear to document her supposed food influencing.
Her series of charges dates back to late October, with allegations of dining and dashing at esteemed restaurants like Francie, Lavender Lake, Motorino, and Peter Luger, all under the pretense of being a food influencer.
Reports indicate she indulged in a lavish meal at Fancy Francie on Oct. 22, which featured items like $15 foie gras, $32 carpaccio, $28 bucatini, and $52 lamb.
Meanwhile, the menu at Rikers offers “pizza pockets” that come with steamed cabbage, cucumber salad, and cold peaches.
Earlier this month, police apprehended Chong for stealing from Italian eateries Misi and See Thai in quick succession.
Additionally, she apparently owes $40,000 in monthly rent to former Governor Eliot Spitzer, who is her landlord at her studio on Kent Ave., and she’s facing eviction on December 2 according to court records.
Chong is set to appear in court on Wednesday.
There was no immediate response from her attorney regarding requests for comments on Monday.
