The Massachusetts Restaurant Association has awarded Judie Teraspulsky, owner of Judie's Restaurant of Amherst, MA, Restaurateur of the Year 2004 in Western Massachusetts. This award recognizes restaurants, which have established a solid record of excellence in service and cuisine.

Judies Restaurant is nicknamed "The Home of the Popover", where the Queen boasts that her specialty is "as big as your head." The restaurant, which has been popular with the locals for 29 years, has also been visited by many celebrities including Marcel Marceau, the late Vincent Price, Judge Judy, Rhea Perlman, Barbara Bain and Martin Landau to name a few.

Judies is renowned by the regulars for "expecting the unexpected." One of the rights of passage in the unique dining experience at Judies is being "Peppered" by Judie for good luck. Also, many a young person has been paraded back to the kitchen to torch the Crème Brulee Cheesecake for their parents.

Although known and awarded for "Top Desserts" in the Pioneer Valley, other food extravaganzas are no exception. The menu treats include such favorites as Lamb Shank with a Stuffed Potato Pancake, mascarpone mashed potatoes, grilled tomatoes and caramelized onions. Other offerings are the Lobster Ravioli, Chicken with Crispy Risotto Cake in a Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sauce, or Goat Cheese Salad with Sundried Cherries and Praline Walnuts!

Some of these outrageous recipes have been featured on many radio and television interviews showcasing Judie and her restaurant. After 28 years at the helm, she has cultivated many outstanding managers, and has seen them go on to establish some area favorites such as Sylvester’s in Northampton and Café Martin in Shelburne Falls. Judie has worked with the Chamber of Commerce and other downtown businesses to create the Taste of Amherst, which has been a summer highlight for over 12 years.

Putting "the icing on the cake" of her civic work, Judie has recently applied her energy at animal rescue, placement and dog training assistant as Development Chair for the Dakin Animal Shelter where she promotes fundraisers for the shelter.

Judie, known for her energy, enthusiasm and humor has a simple principle for success---"If you can’t smell the coffee, get out of the kitchen!"