What is the best finish for a breakfast bar/counter top combo. We are installing a piece of monkey pod wood that has been stripped of all old finishes.

 

For your monkey pod wood, I generally like to recommend something in a tortise shell mineral shellac. (just kidding, I just got a kick out of the "monkey pod wood" which I have never heard of! :-)).
Actually, I use a spar/ polyurethane anywhere that gets the use/abuse that a countertop does. I think there are also a number of different products specifically formulated for finishing bar tops that you might want to check into, but I don't have any specific recommendations. Take your time applying any varnish finish allowing plenty of time to dry between coats so you can do a little sanding to remove little dust nibs that will get into the finish. Then try to apply the final coat in as dust-free of an environment as you can.

 

For Leilana and the Timber Man:

Check out the URL below to see what Monkey Pod looks like as well as a brief description.

http://www.interpac.net/~winkler/monkey.html

BTW - your suggestion for a finish is right on.