A man who enjoys fine dining and designer brands is allegedly misleading some of the city’s top restaurants by pretending to be a food influencer in order to score free meals, according to police.
Pei Chun, a 34-year-old resident of Brooklyn who showcases her lavish style on Instagram—with items like Prada heels and Louis Vuitton bags—has faced five arrests since late October for supposedly drinking at high-end venues and then attacking employees at places like Peter Luger and Francie in Williamsburg. Police reports indicate she has been blogging about her experiences with unpaid meals.
Chong is believed to have set up camera rigs and posed as a food influencer, sharing photos of dishes such as Colorado lamb from the acclaimed Francie and the renowned marbled meat from Peter Luger to her 13,000 followers.
She has even been reported to have offered Peter Luger sex in exchange for cash.
A source familiar with one of Chong’s targets, Meadowsweet, a trendy restaurant in Williamsburg, shared that she would dress elegantly, enjoy expensive meals, then post about her experiences as if she were sponsored by the restaurant.
“Her cards were always declined,” the source mentioned.
“We were surprised and confused. She acted so boldly,” the source added, comparing her behavior to that of “The Bling Ring,” the notorious group of fame-driven burglars who targeted celebrity homes in California two decades earlier.
The alleged fraudster, who resides in a luxury waterfront building in Williamsburg, reportedly dined at Francie’s on October 22, consuming dishes like $15 foie gras and $32 carpaccio, running her total to $188.
Instead of paying, she suggested posting a photo of her meal online as a form of barter, according to restaurant owner John Winterman, who noted that she behaved as though the restaurant had engaged her services as an influencer.
“I told her we need to agree to that beforehand. Since we hadn’t, I asked her to settle the bill,” he recounted.
When her card failed, she claimed she was waiting for funds from her family.
Chong made multiple visits but was eventually denied service due to her unpaid bills.
Subsequently, she returned on November 7, ordered $83.83 worth of food, and again refused to pay, leading to police involvement and her arrest for service theft.
Winterman said the police arrived in force and immediately recognized her. “We had patrons enjoying themselves, and it seemed they were more concerned about their meals than the drama unfolding,” he said.
“Some people commented, but no one took pictures. They just went back to their meals,” he added.
The day prior, she allegedly visited Lavender Lake Restaurant, racked up a $97 tab, and left without paying.
Police have noted another incident where she was at Peter Luger on October 27, where she collected $146 worth of food and did not settle her bill.
On November 11, she attempted the same scheme at Motorino Pizza, racking up a $135 bill and ultimately facing arrest for service theft that day.
Interestingly, Chong shares a different narrative on her blog, describing dishes in detail and praising the experience at Peter Luger, despite the legal troubles she faces.
A manager at the steakhouse indicated that Chong went missing for a notable period before and after billing time, eventually found hiding in the bathroom.
“When she emerged, she asked if the waiter could keep the check for another type of payment instead of cash,” the manager reported, adding that she suggested offering sexual favors in lieu of paying her bill.
“When I told her I’d call the police, she didn’t contest it,” the manager recounted.
Chong has not responded to requests for a comment.
