Judy's on Cherry

If circumstances ever find you in the Reading, Pennsylvania area (where we recently spent spring break because of some of our own circumstances), take yourself to Judy's on Cherry  for dinner. It took us four nights to get there, which was a tragic mistake.
In order to save you from wasting time at many of the other mediocre restaurants in the area, I will tell you this: go the first night you're there because you will want to return for any other night you have in Reading (or Wymossing, Sinking Spring or any of the other neighboring boroughs.)

Seriously, this was the best meal we've had in a long time. And it wasn't just relative to all the other meals we'd eaten over the past several days. It was absolute.
These pictures don't do the food justice, so you'll have to trust me on this.

The flatbread that was served before dinner with my glass of wine was perfect - chewy, a little salty, a little crispy with just the faintest bit of olive oil. We devoured the entire basketful in no time

Our appetizer was sauteed Brussels sprouts with fried sage and a truffle cream sauce. You know how I adore Brussels sprouts, and these were cooked perfectly.

Bob chose a pizza for a dinner - big surprise. But not just any pizza. This wood-fired pie was topped with braised short ribs, caramelized onions, fresh jalapenos and fontina cheese. Often pizzas with such heavy toppings turn soggy too quickly. I'm not sure how they managed it, but this one stayed crisp throughout the minute and half it took Bob to scarf it down.

I chose the pasta special (I've been on a carbs kick lately - must have something to do with "circumstances") of pappardelle with asparagus, peas, and snow peas. There was a pea and basil puree holding it all together. The pappardelle was cooked perfectly and the whole dish was the taste of spring we've yet to experience.

The dessert menu was deliciously enticing, but it was already close to 10 pm, and we couldn't manage another bite. (If another basket of flatbread had been offered, I might have forced myself.)

Bob has to go back to Reading next week. I certainly don't envy him the long drive. But I sure am jealous that he's planning on dinner at Judy's again.
I hope he has room for dessert.