Tarpy’s Roadhouse
2999 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey
647-1444,
No one does as many midday tops as Tarpy’s. No one. That’s nothing new, nor is the fact that they do so many so well. But there is a new menu, ushered in with an updated bar area, upgraded cocktail list and resurgent menu from quiet star Michael Kimmel for the 20th anniversary last year. That means a great griddled polenta, insane wood-grilled Maine dry-pack sea scallops with an edamame-garlic puree and a cherub’s cup with Nolets gin, St. Germain elderflower liquer, lemon juice and strawberry puree. And all that means that here, the best is getting better.