New York: A stunt by a Chinese tycoon to provide free lunch to 300 homeless people in one of New York's finest restaurants degenerated into a shambles as word spread that the participants would not be receiving an expected cash handout.

The first simmerings of discontent emerged in Central Park's Loeb Boathouse – backdrop for films such as When Harry Met Sally and television shows including Sex and the City – as sesame-encrusted tuna appetisers were being served.

By the time the main course of rump steak was on the tables, the mood had turned thoroughly sour, as news that there was to be no cash giveaway passed around the room.

By the time bow-tied waiters cleared away the berries and creme fraiche, there was a near-mutiny, and burly private security men were forced to prevent some angry diners from storming the podium.