THE GOAT by David Burke — Restaurant in Union Beach

I have been here several times prior. I attended one of the Beat Chef Burke cooking competition with a friend. I was looking forward to this event as I enjoy cooking and watch Iron Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, etc. I met my friend at the restaurant and walked in for the event. Unfortunately,  we were told we won't be sitting together as we purchased our tickets separately. Nonetheless,  we were very disappointed and told the manager we didn't come to this event to sit apart (especially sitting at opposite ends of the room) He said he san see what he can do for us and came back and was not able to accommodate us. I was viewing the room and it was at full capacity. I noticed a bar at the back of the room and asked if we can sit there. He responded, sure. We both grabbed a seat at the bar. Not the most comfortable with our backs facing the competition. They came out with various appetizers (pizza, salad, bacon on clothesline) entree and dessert and a complimentary drink (we both enjoyed) The food was ok, the bacon appetizer was delicious. You don't eat the dishes made by the chefs. They choose several people from the audience as judges. The competition setup is poorly organizer. We couldn't see or hear anything because we were so far away. I didn't get to enjoy the competition and very poorly organized. They should have at least the competition cast onto a large screen for all to watch. Lastly, the manager didn't even offer any compensation for me and my friend sitting separately. No apologies,  nothing. Especially, as a fine dining restaurant   manager should offer some type of complimentary offer for the inconvenience. I get better service from restaurants that aren't considered fine dining. I also mentioned to him, that when purchasing the ticket you should indicate somewhere that if you buy tickets separate from others you should note it in your reservation you would like to sit with that specific person at the same table. Since this is not first come, first served table seating. They still have not indicated in their site. Horrible management and...

My wife and I tried this spot for Valentine's Day. They had a Prefix Menu for $68++ per person, minus the drinks. Sounded like a good deal, right? Especially, since this restaurant is part of the David Burke group. It should be good.

We started with our appetizers. My wife originally wanted the Lobster Bisque Soup. But they ran out of that. They only had Mushroom Bisque or some other cream soup as a replacement. So, I had the Mushroom Bisque Souphile, while she had the Beet and Buratta Salad. They were very good. When it came to the main courses, I had the Pork Osso Buccon with Risotto (in Tagalog, Pinasosyal na Patatim ). My wife ordered the Lobster Ravioli. While my portions were generous, hers were disappointing. Five small pieces. Hardly satisfying, especially for someone who skipped lunch and was looking forward to a hearty meal for dinner. You would think that because you were paying the same price, both meals would have good portions. It wasn't the case here. Luckily, my meal was large enough for me to share. Also, the browning of my dish was not even. On One side, the skin was dark brown, while the other was pale. But, our mood was already in the downhill.

Desserts took longer to come out than our meal, which was very strange. The place wasn't fully packed. When they did arrive, they were a letdown. My Coconut Cream Pie was fine. Nothing too special. However, the sugars of my wife's creme brulee was burnt to the point where it made the whole dessert bitter. We brought it up to their attention. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. They said they would replace it in two minutes. So, we waited. Unfortunately, the replacement was a failure, too. The top sugar was on point, but the actual custard was very runny. My wife just finished it as we wanted to leave right away. The manager apologized and gave us a free slice of key lime pie as a good gesture.

If it weren't for the staff, this place would have gotten a two-star for its inconsistency. Would probably...

On Friday, July 12, my wife and I along with our good friends, whom we convinced to go, went to The Goat in part for their strip steak special. What a mistake! Three of us ordered the steak special. After the server took our orders, a few minutes later she came back and said sorry, no strip steak, the special would be hanger steak. What, this wasn't known at the outset? Isn't the wait staff told what menu changes there might be in advance? For an appetizer I ordered the arancini. The server was confused till I said, you know, the rice ball. Then she got it. The menu says arancini. It gets worse. When the apps came I did not get the rice ball, instead I got the meatball app. I didn't notice and started eating as I was starving. I quickly realized I was eating meat not a rice ball. I had to call the waitress over to tell her. She apologized, blamed it on the computer. Maybe 5-6 minutes later the corrected app arrived, brought by the manager (I think) who laid it down and said "here's your rice ball". No apology, nothing. When the steaks came out 2 out of 3 were not cooked correctly, and my wife's was so chewy she could not finish it (taken home for our dog). I ordered shrimp and scallops with risotto. I swear the risotto was a pilaf. I love risotto and never tasted a dish like that was. Then there were other small things - serve a bottled beer, no glass. Bring drinks, forget to bring my friend's drink. Server handed plates and glasses over rather than placing them down. Overall, a very big disappointment. My wife and I had been there for restaurant week back in the Spring I think. Very good meal, very good service. This time - inadequate service, questionable kitchen, no energy from the employees. I'd say the apps and desserts were good, everything else sub-par. We won't be going back. Neither will our friends who luckily remain...