Jeb Sawyer spaketh...

point me towards a plan for a basic desk (by basic, I eseentially mean
that I want a table, with perhaps one drawer in the front apron).

http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/r...=107&offset=60

Quick question: Do you really think a 1" (3/4 actual) cherry table
top would look ok. Seems kind of chincy to me.

It depends on what 'look' you want. Also, if you can buy 5/4 or 6/4 cherry
instead of edgebanding.
--
McQualude