Say Cheese! Restaurant and Cheese claims the coziest corner in West Reading for intimate, joyful gatherings — from popping the question over a romantic dinner to a bridesmaids’ luncheon, bridal shower, or elegant wedding rehearsal dinner months later. It’s built for those who prefer a smaller, carefully chosen group of friends and family — say, 24 people — for a celebration that includes wine, cheeses from all over the world, fresh vegetables and yummy soups in season, and entrée choices ranging from an unforgettable Mac ’n Cheese to Pistachio-Crusted Halibut.
Recently added to the entrée list is a kingly Apple-Dijon Pork Chop served on sweet mashed potatoes with a favorite superfood side — kale, sautéed and lemony-bright. General Manager Theresa Cocuzza is clear about the restaurant’s mission to meet the high expectations of Berks diners and cheese market customers. She’s completely up front about their focus on comfort foods — noting that their rich Grilled Cheese and varieties of their Meatloaf will always be available, and she credits Chef Nathan Ryan and the kitchen staff for “making comfort food with our own ‘take’ on it.”
Outstanding Appetizers, Soups
The toughest part of dining here is making decisions. If you have a half-hour to peruse the restaurant’s Facebook posts prior to walking in the door, you’ll have a much easier time selecting the latest goodies for your cheese plate (choice of three or five artisanal cheese types). They’re described in all their luscious aspects online. But don’t worry; the staff also are expert guides.
Other starters include gourmet Filet Sliders made with St. Angel triple cream cheese and onions braised in red wine, served with Parmigiano-Reggiano pommes frites. Ever-popular are the intriguingly named Not Your Mama’s Deviled Eggs, which change all the time (weekly), trusting culinary creativity to seduce the taste buds. On a recent evening, these eggs came alive with whole-seed mustard and were enhanced with zucchini fritters, citron pickles and horseradish sauce. Savory, savory bundles of protein — and a smart choice with wine or a cocktail.
The Nieto Senetiner Malbec — a red wine from Argentina with notes of blackberry, plum and fig — seems to pair well with nearly everything, including Say Cheese’s famous French Onion Soup, thickly and dutifully embellished with Gruyere and fontina cheeses, plus a fantastic pile of crisped onions atop, texturally countering the softer sautéed onions below.
The Tomato Bisque, however, can’t be beat. It’s as pure as a ripe red tomato in the summer heat, not overly seasoned — just as tomato-y as can be — with micro-basil delivering a little lift in the middle of each bite. High praise for the simple, natural exquisiteness of this soup, available in a cup or bowl.
Caesar Salad, Mac ’n Cheese Reign Supreme
While Caesar salad and macaroni and cheese are on practically every menu in America these days, that’s no reason to skip Say Cheese’s spin on greens and mac. The Caesar Salad is one of the best in a 200-mile radius, thrilling with juicy, crispy Romaine that’s generously but carefully engaged with stunning, fresh-shaved shards of tangy, highest-quality Parmigiano Reggiano. The dressing is so perfect you barely notice it’s there, and roasted red tomatoes hover around the edge of the platter, casually awaiting a fork in their direction. As for the croutons…wow. They’re herby, toasty, crunchy, and yet they just melt in your mouth. “It’s the butter,” admits Cocuzza.
A Smoked Salmon Mac ’n Cheese [made with no less than six cheeses and chives] is also on deck for those who favor Nova Scotia salmon.Naturally, the “regular” Mac ’n Cheese, also made with six cheeses, is utterly creamy and white-tan-toned, crispy on top with just-flashed cheese. It’s satisfying in even the smallest-size tureen, the only danger being that you might vow to never make it at home again. There’s just no duplicating this crazy-good food. It’s comfort food on steroids.
Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon, Chased by Chocolate Stout Ice Cream
When planning a party for guests who are all coming together to honor a bride and groom, or for a similarly momentous occasion, you’ll select from different levels of food and drink, depending on budget and preferences. For a “love you to the moon and back” effect, go for the Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon, a gorgeous steak with purpose and flavor.
Finally, desserts…Pastry Chef Angela M.L. Hallowell makes ALL of them. They’re scrumptious: cheesecake with classic shortbread crust, real vanilla bean ice cream, or a densely deep Flourless Chocolate Cake with bourbon caramel topping. The Chocolate Stout Ice Cream hits a very high note, as its dark stout melds seamlessly with cocoa, leaving such a good flavor bouquet in the mouth — so different from any chocolate ice cream on the planet. Though rich (because it’s chocolate, after all), the treat is not heavy, but a refreshing ride all the way.
Say Cheese!
600 Penn Avenue, West Reading
For reservations, visit online; to plan an event, call 610.406.3590.
Hours:
Tues-Sun: Lunch: 11am-4pm
Dinner: 4:30-10pm
Sunday Brunch: 9am-3pm
Sunday Funday
Brunch serves up unique dishes like Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Breakfast Burger, Burt’s Bacon & Green Apple Pancake, and more.
