From Asbury Park Press

First came a Red Horse. Now, The GOAT.

Following the 2021 opening of Rumson’s Red Horse by David Burke, the chef and restaurateur will open The GOAT by David Burke in Union Beach in early April.

The 110-seat American bistro takes the place of Piero’s Italian Restaurant, which closed in the fall. Burke bought the restaurant and began renovating in February. 

The GOAT is accepting reservations for Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day.

Featuring an open kitchen and wood-burning oven, the restaurant will serve modern Continental and American cuisines.

As of press time, the menu was being finalized, but dishes may include Wagyu meatballs with polenta; salmon crudo with peas and pistachio gremolata; and roasted chicken for two with penne flambéed table-side (prices, which also may change before opening, range from $16 to $35).

“Piero’s lasted for 30 years, that says something about the location,” Burke said in a news release about deciding to open a restaurant in the Bayshore. “Somebody went to the Meatpacking District in New York first, right? Somebody had to be first in Asbury Park. There’s a 10-mile stretch of highway that is underserved. There’s a renewed interest in the area.

“People want to get out and dine out, and they are tired of going over to Highway 35 to eat at chain restaurants,” he said. “I grew up near here, and I’m very excited about The GOAT.”

In addition to Red Horse by David Burke in Rumson, Burke manages Drifthouse in Sea Bright, and owns restaurants in East Brunswick, Fort Lee, Morristown and West New York.

Go: 1411 Route 36 in Union Beach; 732-264-5222, thegoatbydb.com