Brooklyn’s Influencer Drama Continues

The so-called Dinner and Dash influencer saga in Brooklyn shows no signs of letting up.

Pei “Lou” Chong, recently charged with theft related to service charges after being arrested multiple times for not paying at trendy Williamsburg eateries, has been at it again.

On Saturday, Chong was apprehended twice at the Michelin-starred restaurant Misi and later released on supervised release, according to NYPD reports.

Just a day later, she shared an Instagram post featuring a lavish mezze platter and dessert from the popular Israeli spot 12 Chairs, where it’s alleged she left without settling her bill.

A source told the Post that management at 12 Chairs decided not to involve the police, stating, “She left and didn’t pay.”

Chong, 34, has now faced seven arrests since late October for skipping hefty tabs at several restaurants, including well-known places like Peter Luger and Lavender Lake.

Restaurant staff described her as someone who would dress to impress, snap photos of her food, and attempt to negotiate by offering used credit cards—only to be turned down.

One manager recounted that Chong even attempted to barter for meals by offering sexual favors, as reported by the Post.

Former acquaintances remarked that Chong was once a vibrant part of New York’s elite social scene, often spotted in designer brands before her sudden disappearance a few years ago.

Chong, originally from Taiwan, claims on her website to have an artistic background, studying ballet and piano, and has noted impressive academic achievements, including a master’s degree in fine arts.

After relocating to New York in 2019 on a merit scholarship to attend Pratt University, she became involved in the city’s Taiwanese social circles, often attending glamorous events.

A friend from the pandemic era shared that they connected over their mutual love for music, portraying her as polite and cultured. However, things took a strange turn when she began discussing personal issues related to an ex-boyfriend and seemed increasingly unstable.

Her friend mentioned feeling concerned for her well-being, as Chong portrayed a tumultuous side that was hard to reconcile with her previous persona.

Chong eventually faded from her social scene, and multiple sources noted her unusual withdrawal from public life since late 2021.

Although she briefly worked as a UX designer for several companies, her last employment was in March 2023, after which she claimed to be “semi-retired.” Recently, she began posting food photos reminiscent of an influencer lifestyle.

Living in a luxury apartment, Chong frequently tagged high-end clothing brands in her updates. Before her outing at 12 Chairs, she was seen shopping at a luxury store, maintaining an image of affluence.

Interestingly, a Reddit user reported matching with her on a dating app, where she expressed willingness to swap nightlife tips for stock trading advice, hinting at some sort of ongoing hustle.

Friends were taken aback by her current actions, suggesting a stark contrast to the thoughtful person they once knew. Yet, it seems Chong is determined to redefine her narrative, all while keeping her next steps under wraps.

As bizarre as the situation is, one thing is clear: her next move is anyone’s guess, but it’ll likely be just as captivating as her past exploits.