Originally Posted by
mosburger
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A cautious enquiry from someone not that familiar with this part of American dining/drinking culture: Isnīt a martini or two before dinner a little bit strong on your taste buds to enjoy the nuances of the food and wine afterwards?
Yes, that is the intended purpose. Make dismal food seem to taste better (by not tasting at all). As the quality of cuisine improved in the US, the martini disappeared from the dining scene for the most part. Now it is making a comeback (though often as cocktails separate from dinner, or as desert). It generally isn't combined with food except in steakhouses with the 40 oz. steak and 12 inch cigar menu.