Judy’s on Cherry: A Tried-and-True Treasure

Cedar Planked Molasses Mustard Salmon with Roasted Garlic Beets

With Judy Henry at the helm, this downtown Reading establishment known as a “hearth-fired Euro café” never fails to deliver. It’s perfect for date night, a best friends get-together or dining out before or after concerts at the Santander Performing Arts Center or events at the Santander Arena. But it’s an any-evening haven too, consistently imbued with warmth and a food hug. After a long day at work, especially on a bitter mid-winter day, don’t be surprised if you find your mind dreaming about dipping into a steaming bowl of Judy’s famed, elegant Butternut Squash Soup. Golden in color, exuding that enticing scent… it literally tastes cozy!

And that’s only the beginning. It’s best to go here when hungry since you’ll want to enjoy several courses. While seated in a delightful booth with adorable lamps and crafted lampshades next to original works of colorful art on the wall, you’ll soon find the server gently setting a basket of just-warmed house-made focaccia bread before you. It’s crusty and creamy-doughy with hints of rosemary — fabulous as is or happily enhanced with dipping oil. Fine wines and all sorts of drinks and unique cocktails abound, including a very smooth yet robust Black Manhattan.

Small plates from crispy fried artichoke hearts to skillet-roasted Italian meatballs deliver gourmet-prepared goodies that tease and please the palate, although the specialty hearth-fired pizzas may also serve as either an appetizer or full meal, depending on individual preference (and appetite). Unmatched in ingenuity is Judy’s stunning Exotic Mushroom Pizza with a tasty, thin crust. It features such gloriously distinct flavors as porcini, shiitake (aka the steak of mushrooms) and oyster mushrooms, made sweet with caramelized onions, cheesy with fontina and mellow with a divine truffle oil. It’s superb. Yes, you can make a meal of this one.

However, another favorite among diners is the Housemade Italian Sausage Pizza. Mmm. This one might even rob you and your table of conversation as you bite into that finely savory sausage married with sundried tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, roasted garlic, mozzarella and Parmesan. (Surely her sausage recipe must be a closely guarded secret…)

Baked Stuffed Figs with Gorgonzola and Bacon

Heavenly Entrees: Scallops, Salmon on Cedar & Steak

Surf-to-turf culinary creations are manifested in such mouthwatering choices as Casuela Roast of Jersey Scallops, which bathe juicily in caramelized onions and sherry vinegar butter, and an incredibly luscious Molasses Mustard Glazed Cedar Planked Salmon.

Hearth-charred edges border the lovely, tender, rich center of Judy’s wonderful Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Butter, where the distinctive cheese imparts a milky texture tinged in lightly sharp pungency as it melts over the beef cut. Complementing this stellar steak experience are addictively prepared whipped potatoes that stand up stiffly next to fresh veggies such as steamed broccoli or other farm-grown vegetables in season.

Entrees come with a tossed green salad — elegant greens and thin-sliced purple onions — with a very tough choice of equally delectable dressings. The House Vinaigrette is so subtly tart that it seems to be giving praise to each of the different green leaves arrayed on the salad plate while the blue cheese dressing presents a remarkably eloquent, salty touch for crunchy, juicy Romaine leaves.

Blankets & Tequila

Limoncello Chicken with Saffron Aïoli

Gourmet offerings with a comfort feeling characterize the compelling menu on many levels. When a rich, just-zesty citrus sauce meets boneless chicken breast in Limoncello Chicken with Saffron Aïoli, multiple textures come alive thanks to a generous bed of al dente capellini noodles. The aromatic lemon basil broth is made with whole roasted garlic cloves for sweetness with chewy sundried tomatoes for a touch of tartness. A delightful choice for poultry and pasta lovers.

Limoncello Chicken with Saffron Aïoli

Under “Pastas” you’ll also find a spicier Italian-leaning dish called Enraged Penne Pasta made with fresh basil, plum tomato sauce, capers and Parmesan cheese — paired with a choice of chicken or shrimp.

Enraged Penne Pasta with Fresh Basil and Capers

For a top-notch vegan entrée, enjoy Roasted Acorn Squash with farro, dried cherries, spiced pecans, sweet corn and red mole. As for pleasing all those folks searching for numerous gluten-free dishes, Henry does a fantastic job combining nutritional brilliance with a capital “Y” for yummy results.

Sweet Finishes

Mrs. Wesner’s Coconut Layer Cake

Once again, there’s something for everyone when it comes to dessert and coffee. In support of local Berks goodness, the French roast coffee — served as decaf, caf, espresso or cappuccino — comes from Reading Coffee Company. Chocoholics will quickly zero in on Marquis au Chocolate! Think chocolate cake plus dark chocolate mousse, then add red raspberries and whipped cream. Magical. More classics to try include Mrs. Wesner’s Coconut Layer Cake or Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée.

Judy’s on Cherry offers hosting services for private events at both this restaurant and at The Speckled Hen. Corporate dinners, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, birthday/anniversary celebrations are all occasions where you can create delicious memories.