NEW YORK — A social media influencer, notorious for allegedly evading payments at upscale New York City eateries, was due in court on Wednesday. However, instead of appearing before a judge, she is currently undergoing a mental health assessment.
Dubbed the “dine-and-dash diva” by some, the woman has gained notoriety for her extravagant dining habits followed by abrupt departures without settling her bills.
Alberto Sanchez, the general manager at Motorino, recounted one such incident vividly. “She ordered an unusually large amount of food for one person: two appetizers, two full pizzas, dessert, and hot drinks,” he said. “It was odd because it seemed excessive for a single diner.”
Sanchez recalled how she spent five hours at the restaurant, leisurely enjoying her meal and snapping photos, yet when it came time to pay, both of her credit cards were declined.
“I suggested she contact someone who could pay for her meal or leave an ID and return later to settle the bill,” Sanchez explained. “She refused, and I had no choice but to inform her that I’d need to call the police.”
When the authorities arrived, they immediately recognized the woman, he added, indicating her reputation precedes her.
Pei-Yun Chung has been arrested nearly a dozen times for dining and not paying, hitting up spots like Peter Lugers and Michelin-starred Francie. She’s even posting images of those meals to social media.
The restaurants are all in Brooklyn, right near her apartment, where she’s also allegedly behind on rent and is familiar to neighbors.
“She was throwing stuff out the window,” said a neighbor named Calvin. “She was throwing turntables. She was throwing panties, bras, hats and everything out the window.”
Calvin says police have been called to the building a number of times, and it’s all surprising he says because she is very elegant.
“She doesn’t look like the type of person that would do those things. A lot of times I’ll see her sitting in the lobby and on a computer and stuff like that,” he said.
The GM at Motorino says this has never happened before with a customer and wonders if her behavior is indicative of a mental health crisis.
“I feel very bad about that. It is good if she can have some help,” Sanchez said.
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