Would some knowledgeable FT'er be so kind as to explain the US drinking etiquette regarding vodka. Mostly martinis, right? Is this really just a steakhouse/steak dinner thing to do?

I'm still more or less stuck in the Russian/Polish/Ukrainian/Scandinavian idea of having clear vodka shots with pickled herring, boiled tongue and other small delicacies before the actual meal starts...Or at least with bread and salt.