1962 - My first Martini in Europe, along with my first exposure to European wealth and sophistication, occurred in Rome, a chance encounter and an invitation to dinner, far more of a dinner than I, 22 and not near so worldly as hoped, had cause to expect.

Fir this forum, the Martini will suffice.....

Chilled stemmed glass and shaker, pristine ice fresh from the freezer, Vodka (Viennese Monopolova, bottle encased in ice), Lillet (not Vermouth, close but far more intense flavors), 5/1, a twist, olives served alongside, the little ones with pits in a saucer.