On Wed, 16 May 2012 10:29:58 -0700, gtr > wrote:

> On 2012-05-16 16:52:05 +0000, sf said:
>
> > On Wed, 16 May 2012 08:15:32 -0700, gtr > wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> For the record the "Extra Dry" Dolin is just as bad as the Marini & Rossi.
> >
> > The worst part about Martini & Rossi is traveling and thirsting for a
> > decent martini... I ask if they make martinis and they proudly pull
> > out of bottle of Martini & Rossi. Say what? Where's the gin?
>
> You mean in Europe I suppose.

Yes, China too. My one and only gin martini was free there because I
demonstrated how to make an American style martini to the bar manager.

> Maybe Canada?

I don't remember having a problem with that in Canada, but Vancouver
is Washington state-North, so I wouldn't and I drank wine in Quebec
(Montreal/Quebec City). Either that or I was in Manhattan mode when I
was there.

> Yeah, over there "martini"
> means a vermouth and they ask blanc or rouge. I endlessly tried to get
> a American-style martini in France the last couple of years and it was
> a humorous quest.
>
> I began saying "gin martini", or "martini gin". After establishing
> blanc they would bring a 50/50 martini/gin combination with a slice of
> lemon. Frequently they would ask if I wanted two ice cubes or three. I
> suppose it is a serious consideration to them.

They know Americans have a love affair with ice cubes and ice cold
drinks.
>
> Only when I went to a conspicuous hotel like Hotel de Crillon did I
> manage to get a bona-fide martini. They are probably available at
> American ex-pat places but I never went there.

Okay, then I'm not the only one who felt like I was on a snipe hunt.
What's so hard about making a simple American style martini anyway?
>
> After doing this twice for three weeks at a time, north to south in
> France, I have to say I came back a Martini & Rossi Blanc fan and drink
> it with a slice of lemon at home! I'm converted! Though once back I
> have not found a single bar that has Martini & Rossi, dry or sweet,
> available. Only the bitter "extra dry" which they use to spoil their
> gin.
>
> In fairness, even though I now love M&R blanc, it's not the best choice
> for a gin martini, it's too sweet really. For me it's Noilly Prat or
> Dolin.

I like Noilly Prat in a gin martini, must look for Dolin (but not
extra-dry). That's a new brand for me.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.