I attended their pre-opening reception a few weeks ago.
A few samples were handed out, including I believe the beef short rib noted above, as well as a lobster amuse bouche. The beef reminded me more of a standard issue Chinese take-out than anything else, and the lobster, though well-boiled, didn’t have much flavor.
On the plus side, I enjoyed one of their signature drinks (“Dream;” http://lachinenyc.com/menus/drinks/), and the completely non-Chinese dessert with maracuya and chocolate.
Shucks, why can’t an actual Hunanese place open up? One without anything sweet on the premises…春秋大梦, I suppose.
Jonathan
