Categories: Dining

From Field to Fork: Summer Ingredients Shining in Every Bite

A Season of Bounty and Flavor

As summer reaches its peak on the Monterey Peninsula, our gardens and local farms are bursting with color, freshness, and flavor. At Tarpy’s, this is one of our favorite times of year to let nature lead the way. You’ll find crisp vegetables, vibrant herbs, and sun-ripened fruit taking center stage across our menu—each dish a celebration of local ingredients and heartfelt cooking.

We believe great food starts with what’s grown close to home. That’s why our kitchen shines brightest when summer produce is at its best, letting us bring you meals that are both rustic and refined, cozy and fresh.

A Menu Rooted in the Season

Where Local Meets Legendary

From vine-ripened tomatoes to tender greens and golden beets, summer brings a rainbow of possibilities to our plates. Our chefs lean into this seasonal abundance, crafting dishes that highlight California’s agricultural gifts in every bite. It’s comfort food, made modern, with flavors that are as sunny and satisfying as the days themselves.

Standout Summer Dishes

Wood-Fired Salmon with Garden Vegetables

Few dishes capture the essence of summer like our Wood-Fired Salmon. Grilled to tender perfection and paired with a colorful mix of snap peas, carrots, broccoli, and blistered tomatoes, it’s a hearty-yet-light main course that reflects our commitment to thoughtful California cuisine. A touch of beurre blanc adds elegance, letting the ingredients do the talking without overpowering their natural flavors.

Butter Lettuce & Beet Salad

For something bright and refreshing, our Butter Lettuce Salad with heirloom gold and red beets is a guest favorite. It combines earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, citrus segments, and candied pecans, all tossed in a raspberry-citrus vinaigrette. It’s a summertime showstopper—sweet, tart, crisp, and just a little bit indulgent.

Caprese, Reinvented

Our Caprese isn’t just a classic—it’s a tribute to everything ripe and ready in the fields right now. Juicy heirloom tomatoes, blood orange slices, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are finished with balsamic, sea salt, and crispy quinoa. It’s the perfect plate to start a meal or pair with one of our chilled summer wines.

Supporting Local Farms & Flavors

Why Sourcing Local Matters

Working with local purveyors isn’t just about proximity—it’s about partnership. By sourcing produce from farms in and around Monterey County, we’re able to use ingredients at their freshest while also supporting the farmers and growers who help keep this region thriving.

It also means fewer miles traveled, less packaging, and more flavor—all of which are things we care deeply about. Our commitment to California-grown ingredients shows up in every detail of your dish, from the just-picked greens to the vibrant herbs and garnishes.

Summer Sips to Match

Refreshing Cocktails & Coastal Wines

When summer’s in full swing, the drinks should be just as seasonal as the food. Pair your produce-forward plate with a Hibiscus Paloma or a Strawberry Bourbon Fling for something fruity and fresh. If you prefer wine, a Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay or a glass of rosé from Sonoma County balances beautifully with salads, seafood, and grilled vegetables.

And if you’re dining midday or prefer something without alcohol, our Teaberry or Tropical Punch drinks offer a flavorful way to cool down, featuring juices and fruit blends that complement the season.

Make the Most of Summer Dining

Patio Views and Stonehouse Charm

It’s one thing to eat well—and another to enjoy it surrounded by gardens, sunshine, and history. Our outdoor patio offers a front-row seat to the season, while the interior of our stonehouse wraps you in rustic comfort. Wherever you choose to dine, you’ll enjoy an atmosphere as thoughtful as the food on your plate.

Summer dishes are best enjoyed slowly—savored between sips, shared among friends, and remembered long after the last bite. We invite you to relax and stay awhile.

Join Us This Summer

Whether you’re craving the freshness of a beet salad, the warmth of grilled salmon, or a Caprese as vibrant as the season itself, Tarpy’s is here to serve you the best of summer—one locally inspired plate at a time.

Tarpy’s – Monterey, CA

Make your reservation today: 831.647.1444

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