Remember when we talked about chef Christopher Short leaving the kitchen at Bella in Uptown? Then there was the odd January 6 press release:
SFR International Magazine Previews BELLA BOYZ at Bella Bar & Restaurant Grand Re-Opening; Party Set for Jan. 8
Red Carpet Arrival with Heidi Dillon, co-host of The Fashionistas
DALLAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ —
WHAT: Join Dallas’ hottest celebration this weekend by walking the red carpet with host Heidi Dillon of The Fashionistas. Meet the three stars of the new Dallas-based reality television show, “Bella Boyz” starring Robert “Peach” Petrie, Anthony “Tony” Porcaro and Mordan Stefanov. At the A-list event sponsored by SFR International Magazine and Bella Events, guests will find out the winner of the SFR News Casting Call. In addition, Bella Bar & Restaurant unveils its new makeover and SFR International Magazine will debut its Spring issue to partygoers.
WHO: “Bella Boyz”, SFR Television’s hottest new reality series (set to release in Spring 2010) takes a look into the lives of the Dallas elite – the extreme, crazy, power-filled, sexy lives of the three men running hotspot Bella Bar & Restaurant in Uptown, Dallas. Follow powerhouses Robert “Peach” Petrie, Tony Porcaro, and Mordan Stefanov as they make magic happen among the crowds filling the dance floor and red carpets at Bella. SFR Daily is an international online news publication providing cutting edge coverage of the latest fashion, entertainment, gossip, society, political and world news on a daily basis.
I just got word that Mordan Stefanov/Michael A. Manos is behind different kind of bars tonight. He has been arrested in San Francisco. Apparently, Mr. Stefanov/Manos, a convicted felon out on parole, pretended to be a rich aristocrat and scammed dozens of Dallas folks. (More details here .) I’m waiting for callbacks on details but there is a Facebook page “Stop Michael De Medici,” which I assume is another alias, with more info and photos. They are asking people who’ve dealt with this man to post their stories and contact information. (H/T DV)
I reached Bella owner Tony Porcaro a little before midnight on Thursday. He said, “There is no reality TV show. I would know because I would be on it.” I asked him if he knew Heidi Dillion. “Yes, I am doing a party for her on Saturday night.” I asked him if he knew Mordan Stefanov and he said, “I appreciate you calling Miss Nichols but I don’t have anything to say to you.”
UPDATE: Porcaro just called back and said, “It’s been all over CNN. He’s been arrested. I’m just trying to run a business here.” I get that Porcaro is a victim and Bella is moving forward with their new menu and format.
UPDATE: Video report on WFAA.
UPDATE: Sweet Charity is on the case. Comments from Heidi Dillon. And other deets.
